Yes, My Lady

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 3
Chapter 9
Chapter 33

Chapter 1

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sat in the Crusader Clubhouse, their faces scrunched up with worry. Yet again, Scootaloo wasn't there with them. It had been this way for quite some time. Admittedly, this was nothing new in and of itself. Scootaloo lived alone in Ponyville and often would spend a great deal of time somewhere else, never telling anyone where that was exactly. She'd even said she'd be out of town a few days last time they met up. The only problem was that was a month ago, and nopony had seen fur or feather of her since! The adults may be shrugging it off as something taking up extra time, but Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were both certain something was terribly wrong.

"Scoot still ain't back," Apple Bloom murmured finally. "Do...do ya think she's okay?"

"I...I don't know," Sweetie Belle replied. "I...I hope so. Do you think we should ask Princess Twilight again?"

"No," Apple Bloom responded sadly. "She's still so busy figuring out what she's gotta do as a Princess, and what that box means. Applejack told me she ain't really got time fer much else." She frowned irritably. "Discord, maybe? He might know-"

"I tried," Sweetie Belle interrupted. "I went over to Fluttershy's two weeks ago and asked to talk to him. When I asked Discord about Scootaloo, he said he couldn't tell me anything about her." She glanced away, her eyes clouded with worry.

"How come ya didn't tell me sooner?" Apple Bloom asked worriedly.

"It's...the way he said it," Sweetie Belle explained. "He said...'That filly is beyond my power now.' I...I don't know what that means, but...it's scary."

Apple Bloom stifled a whimper, doing her best to try and be strong. "It's...it's gonna be okay, Sweetie," she said, moving over to her friend to pull her into a comforting hug. "Scoot's...Scoot's really tough. She'll...she'll come scootin' down the trail to the clubhouse one o' these days like nothin's happened, and everythang's gonna be okay again."

Sweetie Belle sniffled as she returned the embrace, her eyes staring out towards that path Apple Bloom had mentioned, hoping and praying she might see Scootaloo coming down it any moment now. Her eyes were so tear-blurred that at first she missed the flash of orange amongst the autumn leaves. The accompanying purple, however, quickly caught her attention. Releasing Apple Bloom, she raced over to the window and stared out. "No way..." she murmured hopefully.

As Apple Bloom joined her at the window, the figure could barely be made out. Scootaloo was indeed buzzing down the path on her scooter, but her movements lacked their normal excitement. Her entire stance seemed bowed down with the weight of the world, she looked slimmer than when they last saw her, her mane was long enough that the back hung to her shoulders instead of being cut short, and she wore a black eyepatch over her right eye. "S...Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle gasped out in shock.

As the figure's head lifted, the visible eye lit up at the sight of the Clubhouse and the two waiting fillies, and her movements became more energized.

"Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom screamed out, and the pair of fillies charged down the ramp to greet their friend, tackling her off her scooter and pulling her into a tight hug. Scootaloo returned the embrace just as fervently, doing her best to hide a few winces as the tight embrace apparently brushed a few sensitive points on her barrel and legs.

"Missed you too, girls!" Scootaloo replied warmly. As the embrace finally broke, she rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry I was gone so long. Things...kinda came up." Seeing her friends about to bombard her with questions, she held up both front hooves desperately. "Please, don't ask! It's...let's just say I've had to take up some family responsibilities which...aren't entirely pleasant to think about. It also means the time I get to spend down here in Ponyville is more limited than before...so every moment is precious."

Sweetie Belle tilted her head in confusion, but Scootaloo winced at the look of almost instant understanding and empathy that crossed Apple Bloom's face. "Okay Scoot, we won't ask," she promised. "We'll just have fun together, like we always do."

"But...what about this?" Sweetie asked, pointing at the eyepatch. "What happened to your-"

She was cut off as Apple Bloom gently pushed her hoof aside. "Let's not ask, okay?" Though Sweetie remained confused, she nodded assent.

Scootaloo managed a soft smile. "Thanks girls. I promise, I'll send you as many answers as I can as soon as possible. But for now...let's get to crusading!" She glanced towards her blank flank. "Let's see if I can get something awesome on here before I'm stuck with something responsible." All three girls stuck their tongues out together with a concerted 'Bleh!' at that idea, before giggling and rushing off into the orchard to find something 'awesome' to Crusade in.

As such, none noticed the pitch black figure collecting Scootaloo's helmet and scooter before sauntering into the Clubhouse.

Several hours later, just before 4 o'clock, the three fillies staggered back towards the Clubhouse, laughing, stumbling, and covered in tree sap. "Well, no Cutie Marks," Scootaloo spoke up, "but that was definitely a good day! Thanks girls."

"Anytime, Scoot!" Apple Bloom promised, resting a hoof on her friend's shoulders. "Anything ya need, Scoot. Anything."

"Same here!" Sweetie promised, though her confusion returned as she glanced back and forth between her friends.

Scootaloo smiled warmly as the trio staggered towards the clubhouse. Her smile turned into a confused frown as she saw her scooter tied up to the ramp with the helmet hanging off the handlebars, both freshly polished. "...what the...?" she murmured in confusion.

Sweetie Belle suddenly sniffed the air. "Do you girls smell quiche?" she asked curiously, remembering when Rarity had made it for breakfast once.

Curious, Apple Bloom sniffed the air. "It's coming from the Clubhouse?" she gasped in shock.

While Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked confused and worried, Scootaloo took one whiff at the air and became...incensed. Angrily stomping up the ramp, she threw the door of the Clubhouse open with a bang. The other fillies followed her up, only to gasp in shock.

Their stout little table was covered in snowy white linen, with the finest porcelain set up with three place settings. In the center of the table, a delectable quiche sat wafting its heavenly aroma through the small room. A pitch black creature was pouring steaming, fragrant tea into three mugs as they entered, and it took a bit for the girls to realize it was a griffon. His feline portion was a panther, and his avian portion was crow. His hooked beak clicked idly as he carefully measured the tea into each cup, his black wings folded tightly to the suit jacket he was wearing, framing his slim build. White gloves shaped to his talons, leaving only the very tips of those lethal claws free as he held the pot. His calm crimson eyes watched the steam curl in the air. Setting the teapot down, he turned towards the door, his eyes immediately locking on Scootaloo. "Oh, Countess," he murmured softly in a pleasant, subservient voice, "you've made such a mess of yourself. Would you care to wash up before your afternoon tea? I have enough for your friends as well."

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's jaws hung freely. They turned slowly towards Scootaloo. "Countess?" they gasped out in shock.

Scootaloo's eyes blazed in anger. "Sebastian!" she growled in inarticulate fury.

Chapter 2

The griffon Scootaloo called Sebastian smiled disarmingly. "Have I upset you, My Lady?" he asked dutifully.

"I told you I wanted to keep things separate!" she snapped out angrily. "I made that plain, didn't I?"

"But it is your afternoon tea," Sebastian pointed out genteelly. "It is a failure of a butler who does not provide his lady with her afternoon tea on time, wherever she is. Is that not so?" His words were pure polite confusion, but the way his eyes opened slyly on the last sentence indicated a hidden barb there.

Scootaloo plainly didn't miss it, if her wrathful expression were anything to go by. However, her rage soon passed, to be replaced by a beatific smile that looked all the more dangerous. "You're right, Sebastian. And since you have been so punctual in all your duties, I feel you deserve a reward."

Sebastian's playful smile suddenly became strained. "T-that isn't necessary, My Lady," he hastened to say. "I am merely your humble servant-"

"Oh no, I insist!" Scootaloo interrupted. "After all, happy servants are loyal servants. And you have seemed so fascinated by Calicoes when we see them..." She lowered her gaze, as though looking pointedly at Sebastian over non-existent glasses.

Sebastian seemed to shiver with barely suppressed fear. "O-of course, My Lady. I shall stop by Miss Fluttershy's on the way home to collect one for the manor. You are too kind." Though his voice and manner showed hesitance and worry, his eyes sparked with an odd excitement.

"Uh...Scoot?" Apple Bloom asked nervously. "What's goin' on? Who is this?"

"And what was that talk about servants?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously. "That sounds like something Diamond Tiara would say...well, if she were a nice pony, anyway."

Scootaloo winced. "Right...well..." She rubbed the back of her head. "Girls...this is Sebastian...my butler."

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stared at their friend as if she'd grown a second head...which, given this was Ponyville, would have been easier to believe. Sweetie Belle finally expressed what they were both feeling. "What?"

"Perhaps the discussion would be more pleasant over tea?" Sebastian suggested. "I have prepared a delicate broccoli quiche topped with tomato roses with spinach leaves, carefully seasoned to be sophisticated enough for high tea and yet simple enough for a less stuffy dining experience, served with chamomile tea. There is plenty to go around." Two very loud growling stomachs weighed in on that discussion. "Would you care to clean up before you dined?"

Scootaloo looked like she was about to insist on eating dirty just to spite Sebastian, but Sweetie Belle's fidgeting put a stop to that. "Rarity would never let me hear the end of it if I messed up anything this fancy," she pointed out, looking from the silverware to the china to the tablecloth nervously.

"Sounds like ya put a lot of work into this," Apple Bloom observed. "Be a shame if it got ruined cause ah couldn't taste it over a dollop of tree sap that dropped on my fork."

Sighing, Scootaloo gave Sebastian a nod, and he whisked the trio out of the Clubhouse. Less than a minute later, he whisked them back in and to their seats. All three were so clean they almost sparkled, their manes and tails were expertly brushed and styled, and Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked a bit shell-shocked. Apple Bloom was the first to find her voice. "Are ya a butler, or an Indianappleoosa 500 pit crew?"

Sebastian chuckled indulgently. "A Wingshadow butler who can't do this much isn't worth his salt," he observed calmly, making Scootaloo wince again.

"Wingshadow?" Sweetie Belle asked in surprise and shock. "Isn't that the family behind the big toy company?"

"Among other things?" Apple Bloom added curiously. "Granny used ta tell stories about th' Wingshadow 'concealin the fate o' the truly vile', whatever that meant."

Scootaloo sighed irritably. "Go ahead, Sebastian," she grumbled. "Introduce me."

Sebastian smiled softly. "It is my honor to present the Countess Sunrise Wingshadow, Head of the House of Wingshadow, the Royal Watchdogs."

Scootaloo braced herself for her friends going off on her about not telling them about her being nobility, really not looking forward to that discussion if they were angry about it. Instead, she heard Apple Bloom struggling to stifle snickers.

"No...no wonder ya go by Scootaloo!" she gasped out, managing to quiet her amusement with a mouthful of quiche.

"Wait..." Sweetie Belle suddenly spoke up. "Head of House? But what about..." Her voice trailed off at the sharp look from Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's lowered eyes. "Oh...Scoot..."

"Do...do you wanna talk about it?" Apple Bloom offered comfortingly.

"Not really," Scootaloo responded. "I...it's bigger than it sounds...and bound up in that 'family responsibility' I have to take on now. And...I don't want to drag you two into it. ...heck, I didn't want to be dragged into it..."

Awkward silence fell over the table as the trio continued to eat, Sebastian tending to each of them as he made sure cups remained full. Finally, Sweetie Belle spoke up. "Fair enough. We won't press about any of that...on one condition!"

"Name it," Scootaloo responded quickly.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom glanced at each other with a smirk. "We're havin' a sleepover here tonight," Apple Bloom explained. "Ya can stay for that, right?"

"Absolutely!" Scootaloo assured them eagerly. "Is that the condition?"

"Nope!" Sweetie Belle countered. "The condition is...tomorrow, you take us up to spend the day at your place, and while we're there you tell us why you didn't tell us any of this before!"

"We'll get permission ta go in the morning," Apple Bloom added.

Scootaloo managed a smile. "...yeah, I can do that," Scootaloo confirmed. "It'll be good to be able to tell the whole story, and not have to hide so much from you both."

With smiles all around, the trio fell to the food with a will. They hardly noticed Sebastian stepping out for a few moments only to return with Scootaloo's sleeping bag and other sleepover gear.

Long after the sun had set and the moon had risen, Scootaloo lay awake, staring at the roof of the clubhouse. She could hear Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were both snoring away, exhausted from a day of playing together and a tinge of hysterical relief. Scootaloo briefly glanced over at her friends, two ponies she valued almost above all others. If...if anything happened to them because she opened them up to the other world she had to live in...no. She wouldn't let that happen.

Reaching up, she shifted her eyepatch aside and opened her right eye. Instead of a pupil, the iris was filled with a glowing runic circle, a Symbol of Contract. "Sebastian," she spoke firmly.

Sebastian was instantly at her side in a low bow. "You called, Master?" he asked politely, his voice distinctly different than before as he pulled off his right glove.

"This is an order," Scootaloo stated clearly. "Should Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle become exposed to our world, you will protect them as you do me."

Sebastian smiled softly. "Yes, My Lady."

"You can handle it?" Scootaloo demanded insistently.

"But of course," Sebastain confirmed as he lifted his uncovered talon, showing the Symbol of Contract marked on his flesh there that matched the one in Scootaloo's right eye. It, too, glowed with an eldritch light. "After all, I am one hell of a butler."

Smiling softly, Scootaloo slipped the eyepatch back on and started to snuggle up for sleep. Slipping his glove back on, Sebastian tucked the covers up under Scootaloo's chin. "Sleep well, My Lady," he whispered softly.

Author's Note

I know it's something that the manga and anime of Black Butler put a lot of focus on...but I am not going to bother going into detail on any meals Sebastian prepares in the future. I had no idea how hard that was to do...figuring out how to make a broccoli quiche fancy took longer than the entire rest of the chapter.

Chapter 4

The three fillies - guided by Sebastian - continued into the mansion in silence. Once there, Scootaloo sighed softly. "Kitchen's this way," she explained, turning into the seeming maze of hallways. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stayed close to her side.

As they passed through the halls, they encountered what looked like a strange, bipedal suit of armor with various gears and pipes attached to head and limbs. While this normally would have been shrugged off as a minor curiosity - or perhaps an interesting practice point for 'Cutie Mark Crusaders Mechanics' - it immediately caught attention at the fact its eyes were glowing yellow, puffs of steam came out a pipe on its head made from a modified smokestack, and it was sipping tea. "Ho. Ho. Ho," it greeted the group as they approached.

"Deik-Beck," Sebastian greeted warmly. "How are the records?"

"Ho. Ho. Ho," Deik-Beck replied, turning to enter an office where he proceeded to throw papers everywhere before immediately refiling them, only to repeat the process seemingly endlessly.

"...Robo Claus?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

"Deik-Beck's a clockwork golem," Scootaloo explained to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. "Exceptionally useful as a records-keeper, since his machine brain has perfect, flawless recall...but he's worked for the family since we were ennobled, and no one alive knows how to fix one anymore without damaging internal components, especially those related to memory storage. The last repair - replacing his worn out spring core with a steam winder that could run on his favorite tea - damaged his speech center, so most of the time all he can say is 'Ho. Ho. Ho.'"

"So...not Robo Clause?" Sweetie Belle clarified.

"...not as far as I know," Scootaloo admitted thoughtfully. She then grinned impishly. "Though he's never in the house on Hearth's Warming Eve, for some reason." Sweetie Belle's eyes lit up with excited delight.

Continuing down the hall, a loud avian cry of despair was heard around the corner. Before Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle could react, Sebastian rushed forward around the corner. Scootaloo calmly led her friends around to see what had happened, her own eyes flat.

Sebastian was carefully balancing an entire cabinet worth of fine china on talons, head, wings, back, and tail, carefully holding them above a rather odd hippogryph female. Her front half was a snowy owl, and her equine portion had a grey coat and tail. Perched on her beak were a pair of exceptionally thick glasses that showed much wear, and she was attired in a Prench Maid outfit. She looked up at Sebastian with a flustered blush on her cheeks. "T-t-thank you for that, Mr. Sebastian," she stammered out. "I d-d-didn't see the cabinet there..."

Sebastian carefully replaced each dish in the cabinet. "And that is why you aren't supposed to run or fly while going through the halls, Gretchen," he explained carefully. "And it's just Sebastian. A butler such as myself does not deserve the honorific of 'Mr.' from the other help."

"Y-Yes, M-...Sebastian..." Gretchen's cheeks turned even rosier. She then noticed Scootaloo there. "My lady, I didn't see you there! I'm so sorry for making a mess in front of guests! I'll go get to work immediately!" Spinning, she raced off down the hall.

"Don't-" Scootaloo started to call out, only to wince as a loud crash heralded Gretchen slamming bodily into a decorative suit of armor. "-run..."

"I'll clean it up!" Gretchen insisted frantically.

"Sorry about that," Scootaloo apologized. "Gretchen's incredibly far-sighted, which leads to a few...accidents when she isn't careful."

"So..." Apple Bloom began carefully. "How many messes does yer maid almost make before Sebastian saves the day?"

"Her Ladyship has ordered me not to keep count anymore," Sebastian supplied impishly, though his glance down the hall towards Gretchen was oddly sorrowful, almost...nostalgic.

Ignoring her friend's giggles, Scootaloo led the way further down the halls. "The kitchen is-"

"Wah-CHOO!" The loud sneeze echoed through the house, closely followed by a burst of violet flames erupting out of a nearby door. "...excuse me," a contrite voice offered apologetically.

Sighing, Scootaloo led the way calmly to the door, the other two following more carefully. Inside the kitchen was an adolescent dragon about the size of Garble though more equitably proportioned. His scales were a royal purple, with emerald green eyes and stubby golden horns on his head. "So what's lunch, Flamberge?" Scootaloo asked consolingly.

Flamberge swallowed worriedly. "Uh...Celestia Salad Flambe, Vegetable Stew Flambe, lemonade flambe, and creme flambe..." He gestured to the burning salad, the burning bowl of soup, and the glass of lemonade that defied physics and magic by merrily burning as the liquid inside turned black.

"Uh...don't you mean Creme Brulee?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

The dragon glanced sorrowfully back at the charcoal hockey puck that had once been a carefully prepared dessert. "...no..." Glancing towards another dish, he perked up. "But the Baked Crystalia(1) turned out great!" he offered eagerly, showing off the dome of highly toasted meringue. It was a little darker brown than the dish was supposed to be, but it still looked edible.

Scootaloo smiled encouragingly. "Good thinking!" she complimented. "I knew you could make this work for you!"

Flamberge smiled with pleasure as Sebastian moved to clean up. "Perhaps you should take your friends to the dining hall, My Lady?" he suggested adroitly. "I shall clean this up and prepare a nice salad as a precursor to this dessert, and have both out shortly."

Nodding, Scootaloo led her friends towards the dining room. "Don't be scared of Flambe," she reassured them. "He's a real gentle soul with a passion for food...and an unfortunate flame-related allergy to several common spices."

"Thus why ya call him Flambe?" Apple Bloom asked. "It sure seems like Sebastian more or less takes care of...well, everything around here. Even cleaning up after the rest o' the help.

Scootaloo nodded as she led them to a large table. "Yeah, I'm sure it seems that way," Scootaloo allowed. "But things aren't always how they seem at first impressions, especially on this side of Canterlot."

"Oh!" Sweetie Belle piped up excitedly. "Are they a secret defense force for you and the manor? That'd explain a dragon chef...and Silver Tongue could be escaped from a minotaur super soldier program which is why he's so scrawny and strong! And Deik-Beck's bound to have combat protocols! And Gretchen's far-sightedness - especially in an owl - must have been super useful as a sniper assassin!"

Scootaloo stared at Sweetie Belle. "...why under Sun, Moon, and Stars would you think all that?" she asked carefully.

"Blame Spike," Apple Bloom offered with a groan.

"Spike?" Scootaloo asked curiously.

Sweetie Belle chuckled nervously. "We were both pretty distressed over you being missing for so long. Spike came over to the Boutique a lot to 'help me through it' - mostly to impress Rarity - and he shared a lot of his comic books with me."

Scootaloo chuckled, shaking her head. "Yeah, no wonder you came up with such crazy ideas." When the laughter faded, silence hung over the table. "...and this is where you want the explanation?" she asked calmly.

Both her friends nodded. "If yer up to it," Apple Bloom offered comfortingly.

Scootaloo closed her visible eye, taking a few deep breaths in preparation.

(1) Equivalent of Baked Alaska.

Chapter 5

Scootaloo leaned back in her chair, turning her eyes to the ceiling as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle focused their attention on her. "Do either of you know what it means being born into a noble family?" she asked carefully. "Being a child of a noble family?"

Apple Bloom blinked thoughtfully. "Umm...nope."

"Doesn't it mean being super privileged?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Never wanting for anything?"

"Maybe that's what it means now on the other side of the mountain," Scootaloo grumbled irritably, "but as I was taught...being born a noble means Duty. The Royals watch over all of Equestria, keeping us safe and thriving, but their eyes can't be everywhere. The Noble caste was created to aid the Royals, to oversee smaller portions of Equestria so the Royals can handle the Big Picture. That means the first Duty of every Noble is their Charges." The capitals in her speech were plainly audible, carrying the extra meaning of the significant words. "The higher your rank as a Noble, the more Charges you oversee, and the greater your Duty. That is what it means to be Noble."

Sweetie Belle blinked as she took that all in. "...how does that explain Prince Blueblood?" she asked in confusion. "I mean, Rarity had a lot of nasty things to say about him after that first Grand Galloping Gala she attended."

"Unfortunately, most of the nobles of Canterlot aren't Noble," Scootaloo observed, "which makes the Charges of those who are all the more important. Blueblood and most of his family are nobles." The pointed absence of a capital spoke volumes. "My family - the House of Wingshadow - has remained Noble from the day of our founding, because our Charge - our Duty - is one of the most important...and one that earns us no renown." She fell silent, uncertain if she wanted to go into any greater detail.

"Why's that?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.

Scootaloo made her decision. "It is the job of the House of Wingshadow to keep Equestria's citizens safe. We are the Royal Watchdogs...and if we do our jobs well, not only will no one ever know we did anything, no one will ever know there was anything that even needed doing." She looked her friends right in their eyes. "Please...I'd rather not explain further as far as that goes."

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom both nodded as Sebastian brought out the salad and dessert. "So...is that why ya hadn't told us about all this?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.

"Not entirely," Scootaloo explained as she took a few bites, eating daintily with her fork in stark contrast to her normal behavior back in Ponyville...such contrast in fact that Apple Bloom sheepishly pulled her own head back from her plate to reach for her fork as Sebastian moved in with a napkin to wipe her face. "I've always been a bit of a free spirit, desperate to fly-"

"We know," Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle interrupted with friendly, teasing grins.

Scootaloo managed a chuckle. "Anyway, all the talk of Duty and Charges and all I'd have to do as an Heir...it was more than I could handle when I was younger. One day, it got to be too much...and I ran. I ditched the fancy dresses, grabbed a scooter and some bits, and took off as fast as my wings could make me go. Made it all the way to Ponyville in a single day, and just curled up in the library to sleep that night. I got mistaken for a rambunctious student the following morning, and was sent to Ponyville Elementary. I spent an entire day just being an ordinary kid, not having any responsibility laid on me...and I loved it.

"Of course, it didn't last." Scootaloo toyed with her fork as she stared into her salad. "Mom and Dad found me that evening, and they were worried sick. But when they found me, I just started going on and on about what a wonderful day I'd had, how cool ponies were in Ponyville, how much fun the school playground was...with this huge grin on my face like they'd never seen before. I guess seeing me so happy for the first time in my life forestalled any scolding. But when I was being tucked in for the night, my smile started to fade."

She took a few bites and a drink, letting her friends take it all in. "When my Dad asked what was wrong, I said, 'I'm never gonna get to go back there, am I?' The look on his face..." She shook her head. "The following morning, they bought me that house I have down in Ponyville, and sent me there at least two weeks a month, and they only insisted I be up in Canterlot for lessons about my Duty and my Charges."

"Wow," Apple Bloom murmured softly. "Yer folks were real nice..."

"Yeah..." Scootaloo agreed, playing with a few leaves and a bit of carrot on her plate.

"I'm surprised you didn't get punished for running away," Sweetie Belle observed. "Rarity'd say that wouldn't give the right lesson."

"It is the Duty of Wingshadow House to safeguard the Equestrian common people," Sebastian observed softly. "Though I was not in the employ of the House at the time, I can only presume the Earl and Countess' thought was that it could only be to the Heir's good to have a strong connection to the citizens she was meant to protect."

Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah, that's what they said." She blinked her visible eye, holding back tears. "They wanted to nurture my fiery spirit, so anytime my antics got me in trouble and they had to 'punish me' for the sake of appearance, they'd 'exile me' from Canterlot for a month or two." She smirked mischievously.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle caught the grin. "Meanin' ya got a couple months uninterrupted time in Ponyville?"

"Yup!" Scootaloo crowed happily. This sparked laughter amongst her friends, and she joined for a time. However, her joy soon left. "So yeah...that's why I wanted to keep my Canterlot life separate from my Ponyville life, even to the point of not telling you girls. It meant...I could actually be two different ponies. In Ponyville, I didn't have to worry about Duty and Charges. I didn't have to be Countess Sunrise Wingshadow. I could just be Scootaloo, stunt filly and Cutie Mark Crusader. But...now I'm the head of House. I guess...my time as a silly filly having fun is over."

"Doesn't hafta be," Apple Bloom offered. "Maybe ya can't be down in Ponyville as often, but whenever ya can take the time, we'll be there for ya!"

"And if you can't take the time to come all the way down, maybe we could make the time to come up for an afternoon!" Sweetie Belle offered. "Sebastian could probably get us back and forth in a jiffy."

Scootaloo managed a small smile. "Thanks, girls," she responded warmly, reaching around the table to rest her forehooves on theirs.

Apple Bloom suddenly giggled. "...Scoot, I know ya wanna keep it all separate...but can ya imagine..." She stuffed both forehooves into her mouth to stifle her laughter.

"Imagine what?" Scootaloo asked curiously.

"Th' look on Diamond Tiara's face if'n she found out!" she finally burst out, unable to hold it in any longer.

Scootaloo's eyes widened, and she burst into gales of laughter. "Sun, Moon, and Stars, that'd almost be worth it!"

Sebastian watched the laughter for a time, then cleared away the salad dishes before serving the dessert. As he did, Sweetie Belle looked up at him. "So when were you hired?" she asked curiously. "I mean, you said you weren't here when Scootaloo first went to Ponyville..."

"My Lady brought me under contract herself," Sebastian replied demurely.

Sweetie Belle suddenly gasped. "Are you a demon of vengeance under contract to destroy a secret cult that orchestrated what happened to Scootaloo and her parents?" she asked excitedly, neither her nor Apple Bloom noticing Scootaloo flinch.

Sebastian lightly booped Sweetie Belle's muzzle with one talon. "You read too many comic books, Miss Belle," he chided gently, making Apple Bloom burst into more laughter.

Chapter 6

After the meal, the trio continued to explore the manor and grounds as Scootaloo showed her friends around her family home. Much as could be expected, before long Sweetie Belle had a list of new Cutie Mark ideas with everything from record keeping to topiary to blacksmithing, though that would have to come before any attempts at 'jousting' as they lacked any suits of armor in their sizes. Oddly, Scootaloo wasn't as enthused about the more dangerous and risky ideas as she normally would be, leaving Sweetie Belle nervous bordering on terrified and Apple Bloom simply uncertain.

When asked, Scootaloo simply shrugged. "I've been Scootaloo in Ponyville and Sunrise everywhere else for so long it's hard for me to think like Scootaloo elsewhere...especially here. Scootaloo loves thrill seeking and danger...mostly because Sunrise has to be the perfect Noble daughter...now just the perfect Noble." She sighed softly. "Can we talk about something else?"

Sweetie ducked as another cat raced down the hall, leaping over the trio in another attempt to pounce on Sebastian. "Just how many cats do you have here?" she asked curiously.

"Only a dozen," Scootaloo explained. "The calico is the 13th. It's just when you have more than three cats, it seems like each and every one is four."

"Not to mention cats take a perverse pleasure in driving their owners wild," Sebastian added. "Such fascinating creatures..."

"Could ya talk some sense into 'em?" Apple Bloom asked hopefully as yet another feline attempted to grab at her ribbon claws first. "Yer part cat, ain't ya?"

Sebastian blinked in surprise. "...I am, aren't I?" he allowed ruefully. "I admit, the thought hadn't occurred to me." He turned to the cat going for the ribbon. "No. Respect the guests of this House."

The cat turned and snarled at him disdainfully.

"There is no need for rudeness," Sebastian chided. "Now behave."

The cat leapt on Sebastian's face and hissed.

Sebastian met the cat's eyes squarely. "There is a procedure ponies do not practice that I know of for dealing with troublesome pets," he whispered softly so only the cat would hear. "How attached are you to your testicles?"

The cat's eyes widened, and he dropped to the floor and started licking himself, trying to look aloof and disdainful.

By that point, the fillies had gotten ahead of him, and he rushed to keep up. Scootaloo had led them to a room filled with toys made by the Wingshadow Toy Company, her family's official front business. Sweetie Belle was already gushing over several of them, running around to play with each and every one.

Apple Bloom leaned over a few. "Ah never really got the appeal o' most of these," she admitted. "To me, playin' is somethin' ya do out and about, especially with friends and animals. Never really saw much point in toys like these."

"I think I can find a few you'd enjoy," Scootaloo pointed out, walking through the selection before picking up a stuffed panda almost idly. "There's something here for everyone."

"You're using that word a lot," Sweetie Belle pointed out from amongst a pile of stuffed animals. "Back in Ponyville, you always said everypony."

"More lessons," Scootaloo admitted. "Dad's policy was always to hire whoever had the skills he wanted, whatever they were. He considered difference of species to be purely superficial, and something to be ignored in the quest for success. He's even got...had a few Changelings working for him who deserted from Chrysalis' hive."

"Really?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise. "How's that work?"

"Dunno," Scootaloo admitted. "I...haven't really gotten a handle on that side of the business yet..."

Silence fell for a time, only to be broken as Apple Bloom tackled Scootaloo into the plushies Sweetie was all but buried in. This led to several shouts, cries, and flying stuffed animals as the three devolved into a mock tussle. When they settled, all three panting for breath, Apple Bloom looked over at Scootaloo. "Feeling better?"

Scootaloo grinned from ear to ear. "Yeah...much."

"You didn't have to drag me into that!" Sweetie complained petulantly.

"So, when do you two need to get home?" Scootaloo asked curiously. "Sebastian and that carriage are fast, but it still takes time to get from here to Ponyville."

"Actually...when ah told Applejack about ya not bein' able ta be in Ponyville much anymore, she said ah should stay th' night if ah could," Apple Bloom spoke up.

"Rarity said the same thing," Sweetie added. "Though she also said something about needing to have the Boutique to herself for the night. Not sure what she meant by that..."

Scootaloo grinned widely. "In that case, come see my bedroom!" Turning, she dashed off, her friends hot on her heels.

Sebastian followed at a sedate pace, still managing to reach the Master Bedroom before the trio, much to the surprise of those who didn't know his true nature. As he watched the trio jumping on the massive four poster bed, he let himself muse over the odd dichotomy of his current Master...and draw comparisons between her and his previous Master.

Ciel Phantomhive had been cold, cruel, and nearly uncaring on the outside, with a deep core of passion that was always a surprising treat to see burst free. Even for Sebastian, who could literally read the young man's soul, it had been hard sometimes to determine if an action taken was simply an expedient knowing Sebastian would clean up, or was an act of genuine compassion done without thought. Then again, sometimes it seemed even young Ciel didn't know the true motives of his actions.

Sunrise was very similar to Ciel in that way, with the cold outside and the burning passion within. Unlike Ciel, however, Sunrise had grown up with an outlet for that passion in the form of Scootaloo, and was thus used to both getting her own way and accepting when she couldn't. Where Ciel saw every new event as merely a stepping stone towards his goal of vengeance, Sunrise/Scootaloo seemed to look at a much larger picture. The Contract had been the same - act as the butler until vengeance was achieved - but something about the way Scootaloo looked at him whenever the nature of the Contract was discussed. She would always point out that the terms were 'vengeance carried out to her satisfaction', which he had no problem with. After all, that satisfaction is what would give her soul the perfect flavor.

But there was something he was missing there. Pony souls were much harder to read than human souls, since they had so much more magical energy. Of course, that also made them much more filling meals.

Noticing something that had appeared on Scootaloo's desk, he brought it over on a silver platter. "Something requires your attention, My Lady," he said softly.

Scootaloo glanced over, then groaned as she saw the wax seal marked with Luna's symbol. Carefully unsealing the scroll, she examined the contents. "...looks like I'll be spending more time in Ponyville after all," she grumbled.

"What do you mean?" Sweetie Belle asked, trying to see the contents of the scroll.

Scootaloo promptly snapped it shut. "It's business, not pleasure," she grumped. "...now how the hay am I supposed to keep Scootaloo and Sunrise separate with Sebastian following me around Ponyville all day?"

Chapter 7

The following morning, Sebastian gave the trio a lift back to Ponyville after a rather filling breakfast. "Ah gotta get back t' the farm!" Apple Bloom spoke up quickly. "Gotta get ready for school today!"

"I need to get my school things, too!" Sweetie Belle agreed, moving to rush off. "See you at school, Scoot!"

Scootaloo waved to her friends, then turned back to Sebastian. She was unsurprised to discover that the rather expensive sky chariot was already nowhere in sight, or to discover that Sebastian had removed his bow tie and donned horn-rimmed glasses, making him look more stern than submissive. "You sure you can handle your end of things?" she asked firmly.

"But of course," Sebastian replied. "A Wingshadow butler who can't do this much isn't worth his salt."

"But you aren't acting as a butler for now," Scootaloo pointed out.

"Indeed," Sebastian confirmed. "I am a butler who is not being a butler. Not many could do this." He smiled softly. "Simply get to school, My Lady. I will take care of my end."

Nodding, Scootaloo raced off to her house in town. Sebastian, meanwhile, made his way to another house in town, pleased it was still so early. With an easy smile, he knocked on the door.

"Yes, who is it?" Cheerilee asked as she opened the door. She let out a surprised gasp as she saw the sharply dressed griffon waiting there. "C-can I help you?"

"It is I who is here to help you, mu-I mean, Miss Cheerilee," he responded immediately. He held out the envelope. "Forgive my momentary slip of the tongue. With the lavish praise my superiors have lauded you with, I find myself surprised to find it going to such a young lady. You are to be commended."

Cheerilee blushed in surprise as she took the envelope. "Your, uh, superiors talk about me?" she asked carefully. "And who might they..." Her eyes widened as he voice trailed off, first on seeing the Lunar Seal on the documents in the envelope, and what was in it besides documents. "Oh...oh my goodness! But...but I can't! My students-"

"And that is why I am here, Miss," Sebastian explained. "Though if I'm any judge, when the stallions where you're going catch sight of such a charming young lady, you're bound to be coming home a Mrs."

Cheerilee giggled and blushed brightly. "You...you really think so?"

"I don't doubt it," Sebastian confirmed. "You go pack. I'll take care of things on this end. I'll just need..."

It wasn't long before Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo made it to the schoolhouse. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were surprised to see Sebastian nowhere in sight, but Scootaloo's grin reassured them. After all, the plan she'd devised with Sebastian had been made after the girls had conked out for the night, so they didn't know about it. Scootaloo doubted she'd be able to tell them about it before class started, especially as she saw a certain headache coming their way as they entered the classroom.

"Well well, Silver Spoon," Diamond Tiara spoke up in a superior, taunting voice. "It looks like we've got the full trio of-"

"Blank Flanks!" the pair of bullies chorused together.

"-here with us," Diamond concluded. "And I thought we were finally rid of one of you."

"Back off, Diamond Tiara," Scootaloo growled, turning to face them. She'd forgotten just how much of a headache this pair was.

Silver Spoon gasped in surprise. "Your eye...?"

Scootaloo frowned. She'd forgotten no one but her friends had seen her eyepatch yet, and no one knew the real reason she wore it now.

Diamond Tiara smirked cruelly. "Well what do you know? Seems it's not just your wings that don't work right for you. Now your eye? What's going to fail next?" Shocked gasps raced through the classroom as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle moved to stand protectively around Scootaloo.

"So you find disabilities amusing?" a cold voice spoke up from the door. "I'm disappointed."

All eyes turned as Sebastian slowly made his way to the group, glaring down his beak at Diamond Tiara. "I expect this sort of behavior from students in Canterlot or Manehatten, where social maneuvering actually has meaning, but I'd hoped for better in a small, close knit community like this one." He flipped open the file he was holding. "Then again, I really shouldn't be surprised..."

"Just what's that supposed to mean?" Diamond Tiara demanded angrily. "Just who do you think you are?"

"I'm your substitute teacher," Sebastian stated bluntly. "Miss Cheerilee was awarded a vacation from Princess Luna via the Royal Board of Education for her tireless service and excellent performance...though from what I've seen and read, I think most of that is probably from dealing with you without strangling you."

"What?" Diamond demanded in shock as a few foals snickered. "How dare you talk to me that way? Don't you know-"

"You're the spoiled brat daughter of an owner of a business chain and a heinous bitch with delusions of grandeur," Sebastian interrupted as he leaned forward menacingly. "Your mother has forcefully impressed her overweening sense of self importance onto you and used her position on the school board to let you get away with everything. You are a big fish in a very small pond...and I've dealt with sharks. Now take your seat before I do what your father should have done long ago and you're forced to stand in class."

Sebastian's blistering remonstrance left Diamond Tiara completely cowed...for the moment. The pair of bullies moved to their seats as many of the colts and fillies oohed.

Sebastian snapped his gaze to the others. "Take your seats, all of you," he ordered firmly. Every student immediately rushed to their seats as Sebastian moved to behind the teacher's desk. "I will be your substitute teacher until Cheerilee returns from her vacation. My name is Sebastian. No Mr. or Sir, just Sebastian." He wrote his name out on the blackboard. "I have only two rules for students in my class. First, study hard. Second, no bullying. I have no tolerance for children who feel their self-esteem hinges on how many others they can tear down emotionally. And don't think you can simply wait until I'm not looking." He gestured to his crimson, predator eyes. "I miss nothing.

"And I will come down just as hard on anyone rubbing it in Diamond Tiara's face what happened here today," he continued. "Reverse bullying is even worse, in my opinion. As you heard, I report directly to the Royal Board of Education, so any of you who have parents on the School Board, you can forget trying to influence me that way. Study hard, be considerate of each other, and we'll get along just fine. Is that understood?"

"Yes Sebastian," the class chorused, many fidgeting nervously in their seats. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle chimed in a beat behind the others, still completely poleaxed from the revelation.

Sebastian nodded firmly. "Very good." He pulled out the workbook. "Now open your books to page 37. I have a field trip arranged for later this week to the Ponyville Day Spa, and only those who have completed all their assignments on time by then will be allowed to go."

Excitement buzzed through the class as everyone pulled out their books. Scootaloo hid a smile. Sebastian made things almost too easy...

Author's Note

Thanks to Greenhorn for this comment, which gave me a solution I'd been puzzling my brain for...and providing a way to cover the rest of the exposition and character introduction/interaction I wanted.

Chapter 8

"Why didn't you tell us he was gonna be the teacher?" Apple Bloom demanded of Scootaloo at lunch as the three sat together.

Scootaloo immediately winced, glancing around quickly to make sure no one overheard. "Because it's a secret operation?" She hissed back. "Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to balance having to be Scootaloo and Sunrise at the same time? It's bad enough even having Sebastian here, let alone treating him as the teacher! Can you please not make it harder?"

Apple Bloom immediately wilted. "Sorry, Scoot...just...got caught off guard..."

Scootaloo bit her lip. "Sorry for snapping. Just...this is really stressful, you know? You girls...you're the most important things in my life right now, the only part of my life that's still...me. I don't want that to change..."

Sweetie Belle gave Scootaloo a hug from behind. "It's okay," she offered warmly. "We...we've all got a lot to get used to here. We'll figure it out together."

Scootaloo managed a smile. "Alright...just don't expect me to bring you into the business side of things. I don't want you seeing what's in that side of my life." Seeing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's pouts, she put her hoof down. "I mean it, girls. I know we always do everything together, but the kinds of things my 'family business' exposes me to are...well, they're the kinds of things that led to me having to 'take over' the 'family business' so young. I won't let that happen to the two of you, or to your families. That's final."

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both sighed. "Well, if you need us we're here," Sweetie Belle insisted.

"I know girls," Scootaloo confirmed. "I know."

After a time of simply eating their lunches together, Sweetie Belle spoke up. "But can you believe the field trip is to the Ponyville Day Spa? Rarity's going to be fit to burst when I tell her!" She then giggled wickedly. "Especially since it's on her spa day!"

"T-that's certainly going to be interesting," Scootaloo allowed, rubbing one hoof against another somewhat nervously.

Apple Bloom's eyes narrowed. "Yer gonna slip away durin' the field trip ta take care of yer 'business', ain't ya?" she demanded insistently.

Scootaloo's ears went flat against her skull. "...that obvious?" she whimpered softly.

"Pretty obvious," Apple Bloom confirmed. "Ya say yer here on business, and then Sebastian announces a field trip somewhere we don't normally go that's normally closed ta youngsters?"

Scootaloo sighed softly, rubbing her eyepatch. "Look, when I slip off to investigate what I need to, I don't want you two to come after me. I don't want you both in danger-"

"We can make a distraction though, right?" Sweetie Belle asked hopefully. "Something to grab everyone's attention so no one notices you sneaking off?"

Scootaloo blinked in surprise, then grinned. "Yeah, that'll work well," she agreed. "What did you have in mind?"

"I could crash Rarity's spa treatment!" Sweetie Belle offered. "She'll make enough noise all on her own, and I won't even get in trouble since I'm just saying hi to my sister!" She frowned. "Well, except maybe in trouble with Rarity..."

"Ah could cannonball into one o' the jacuzzis," Apple Bloom offered. "That oughta draw a lot of attention, too."

"Especially if it's the one Rarity's in!" Sweetie Belle confirmed.

All three of them began giggling wickedly as Scootaloo grinned widely. She'd almost forgotten just how much fun it was to plan mischief with her friends.

Sebastian sat calmly going over class papers that afternoon, grading and marking as appropriate even as he kept a magical eye on his charge. Multi-tasking like this was much easier here in Equestria than it had been in London. Not only was Sunrise far more relaxed as far as how much of his own power Sebastian used in his day-to-day activities as butler (or whatever else his role became), but the amount of magical options to do just that were relatively easy to acquire and utilize. In fact, he had a small charm sewn into the interior lining of his jacket that would increase in temperature based on how much danger Sunrise was in, through which Sebastian was able to use his own power to actually see both the danger and its location. Very useful, and still discreet...unlike the pink mare that just slammed the door open.

"I would speak with you, Mr. Sebastian!" the mare declared in a rather snooty voice as she stomped into the room.

Sebastian frowned as he turned to take in the mare's appearance. Pink coat, purple mane, green eyes, diamond ring Cutie Mark, blue blouse, gold jewelry...his mind wanted to guess her name as 'Gold Digger', but he already knew who she actually was. "It's 'Sebastian', Spoiled Rich," he stated flatly. "No Mister desired nor required. Now, what is so important that you feel you must barge into my office while I was grading papers?" He glanced at Cheerilee's notes regarding her interactions with this mare. "Topiary around the edge of the grounds an inch too high again, making it 'all but impossible to see the children are safe as you pass by'? Or do you actually have a valid complaint worth a teacher's time for once in your life?"

Spoiled Rich snorted angrily at Sebastian's snide commentary. "Well! You certainly have no respect! I'll certainly be reporting your behavior towards the head of the school board to your superiors!"

"I'm sure they'll find your report absolutely fascinating," Sebastian observed drolly. Internally, he believed they actually would. Given the role he'd taken - and the papers to back it up - the only 'superiors' who would see that letter would be Sunrise and Princess Luna, and they'd probably find such a letter highly entertaining.

"How dare you deny my daughter's attendance on a field trip to the Spa?" Spoiled Rich snapped fiercely. "You announced it only today, and she just came home and told me-"

"I said that the students had to complete all their assignments on time to be allowed to attend the field trip," Sebastian interrupted. "I fail to see the issue."

"Her homework is always complete on time!" Spoiled Rich growled. "On what grounds-"

"I repeat, the students had to complete all their assignments on time," Sebastian stated bluntly. He held up the sheets that had Diamond Tiara's name on them, marked with an 'F - Do Your Own Work'. "This is her butler's writing. I already compared it both to her own writing in class - which is rather sloppy by comparison - and to writing known to be his."

Spoiled Rich spluttered. "H-he just writes down the answers for her so she doesn't strain herself at home!" she insisted. "You aren't seriously accusing my daughter of-"

"I tested her on the same material as last night's assignment today," Sebastian interrupted. "She couldn't even solve the easiest one. I went back through her records. The pattern is obvious. Her homework has all the right answers, but in class assignments don't. When they get bad grades, you apply pressure to Cheerilee, and they get good grades. Cheerilee kept a record of every bit of pressure you applied to her as the head of the school board to make her give Diamond Tiara a free ride, just so you could strut about bragging about your 'perfect little girl' and compare her positively against the 'lesser' students she was forced to 'associate' with. I believe she was trying to get enough evidence to take to the Royal Board of Education to get you thrown off the school board."

Sebastian slowly stood up, marching around the desk to glare straight into Spoiled's eyes, taking every advantage of how nervous a civilized prey like her got under a predator's gaze. "You don't frighten me, Spoiled. I don't report to your school board. You have no authority over me. You can rant and complain all you want, and nothing will change. However, as long as I am teaching this class, Diamond Tiara's homework is to be turned in with her own hoof-writing, and showing her work, or it will be immediately flunked and require her to do it again. And if you try to make too much fuss over this, or try to 'boycott' my attitude to outlast me..." He lifted up the file Cheerilee marked 'Spoiled Rich' that he'd read from while laying out what he'd gone over. "I've already made dozens of copies of this file, citing every time you've abused your office as head of the school board to give Diamond this free ride. If Diamond doesn't meet the same requirements I have for all of my students for the entire time I teach the class, I will send a copy of the file to every parent of every student in the school."

He smirked as he saw Spoiled pale at that threat. "I'm so glad we understand each other. By the way, Diamond still needs to attend school on the day of the field trip. I've already arranged to have someone here to ensure she uses the time to catch up on the homework she hasn't done. Now unless you have further business beyond opening and closing your mouth like a landed fish, get out of my office."

Spoiled Rich managed to gather her wits enough to put her nose in the air as she stormed out. "You haven't heard the last of this!" she declared at the door.

"You actually want to cross swords with me again?" Sebastian proclaimed in surprise. "Well, if you're that much of a masochist, I won't hold back next time!"

He did his best to hold back a demonic cackle as he watched the mare flee before turning back to his papers. He admitted to himself that it was quite difficult...especially when he thought of how Scootaloo would react when she saw the magical recording his glasses had made. He did so adore her sadistic streak.

Chapter 10

Filthy Rich entered his home calmly, looking at everything in a new light. In truth, everything he was seeing was things he'd been seeing for a long time, but that he hadn't wanted to see. As much as he loved his little girl, so much of his marriage with Spoiled was a matter of 'don't rock the boat', doing his best to keep things quiet for Diamond's sake. In truth, that went further back than he would admit to anyone, for rather significant reasons. Still, when he thought about what he'd seen in Cheerilee's report of Diamond Tiara's behavior, of what Spoiled had turned her into, and the one who was her primary target...

He quickly dashed those thoughts. They were maudlin, and counter productive. He had a plan, and he would enact it. He calmly walked into the dining room as Randolph brought him a meal before silently withdrawing. As the butler started to remove himself, however, Filthy gave him the silent signal he knew well to meet him later privately.

Turning his attention back to his meal, he was caught off guard as Spoiled decided to make her pique known once again. "Did you give that...that griffon a stern talking to?" she demanded angrily.

Filthy sighed as he took a sip of coffee, unsurprised to find that Randolph had fortified it. The old boy was quite efficient in his own way. "Sebastian and I had quite the delightful talk," he offered noncommittally. "He seems a reasonable enough fellow. Our talk was quite productive."

Spoiled smirked smugly. "Well that's good to-" Her voice caught in her throat as Filthy casually set a batch of documents on the table, the file labeled 'Spoiled Rich' in Cheerilee's hoof writing plainly visible to her. "...hear," she managed to finish, though her voice had lost most of its confidence.

"So how goes your homework, my little princess?" he asked sweetly, turning to where Diamond Tiara was alternating between eating her food and irritably scribbling at some papers.

"J-just fine, Dad," Diamond Tiara informed eagerly. "I can handle this-ah!" The quill she had been writing with snapped, the tip flipping into her drink as the upper part fell into her food. "I can...handle it..."

Randolph was there before Filthy could say anything, clearing away the contaminated dishes for fresh ones and cleaning up Diamond's ink-stained hooves. Filthy shifted his position enough so he could see Diamond's work, and instantly saw where she was making the mistake that was presently frustrating her. "You transposed those two," he pointed out, gesturing to the two equations that had gotten mixed up.

Diamond Tiara lowered her gaze, flushing in embarrassment. "Sorry..."

"Why don't you set that aside and enjoy your dinner?" he suggested brightly. "And after that, we can meet in my office and work on this together. How does that sound?"

Diamond's head jerked up, her eyes wide in surprise. "R-really, Daddy?" she asked, her voice quiet with hopeful disbelief.

It took a great deal of Filthy's self control not to break down right there. It had been far too long since he was 'Daddy'. "Of course, princess," he promised. "We'll work right up until bedtime if that's what you need."

The wide, genuine smile that crossed her face was well worth ignoring his wife's disapproving scowl.

After Diamond Tiara was put to bed, homework she could be proud of tucked into her saddlebags, Filthy waited calmly in his study as Randolph stepped in. "You called for me, sir?" he asked in his wheezy voice, an affectation as he was far sturdier than he appeared.

Filthy smiled at the apparently elderly stallion before him. "Randolph, I'm sure you noticed I took a different approach with my wife and daughter tonight," he offered idly.

"It was hard to miss," Randolph observed. "It's been a long time since I've seen the young Miss so happy." He frowned. "Pity..." He stalled his voice.

"Go on, Randolph," Filthy coached. "I'm not going to penalize you for voicing an honest opinion."

Randolph chuckled softly. "I was going to say 'Pity the same can't be said of the old Miss looking so perturbed'," he explained.

Filthy managed to smile. "Randolph...I want you to do something for me-"

"Name it, sir," Randolph interrupted quickly.

Filthy shook his head, amazed at the dedication and loyalty he'd somehow inspired in this old timer. "I intend to begin a new regimen as far as what Diamond learns in this household. Spoiled has taught her to..."

"Be as much a spoiled brat as her mother is, and to squander whatever useful skills she has behind annoying temper tantrums and throwing her apparent weight around?" Randolph supplied.

Filthy winced at the pointed if accurate barb. "Indeed. I intend to break those habits."

"Pardon for speaking so, sir, but how will you do that when you're rarely here?" Randolph pointed out. "You might be reasonable, but the Miss is determined to get her own way, and she will and has dismissed help for voicing an opinion, even if she fed you a different reason come your return."

Mr. Rich frowned angrily at that news. "Well, both of those things are going to change. First off, I'll be staying here in Ponyville much more often...and if something does require me to rush off somewhere else, if at all possible I intend to take Diamond Tiara with me so she can learn about the business. And for those times when I can't, I leave it to you to keep things going." He pushed a sealed envelope over to him. "And if my wife tries to make a fuss or interfere with that in any way, show her this."

Randolph didn't bother to ask about the letter's contents as he slipped it into his jacket. He'd served Filthy alone before Spoiled entered the picture, and knew his employer well. "Finally laying down the law with her, sir?"

"It's about time, isn't it?" Filthy asked ruefully.

Sebastian smiled to himself as he let the mirror return to just showing his reflection. While it wasn't really his business what happened with the Rich family, he had stuck his oar in and was idly curious about the outcome. And from what he'd seen, the potential for chaos and suffering there was most exquisite, and the sort of thing he would want to keep an eye on. Beyond that, his Mistress' interests were involved, and he was certain she would approve. But for now, it was her bed time, and even if he was a teacher in Ponyville, it was still his duty to tuck her in.

It wouldn't be long before the spa trip, and then his duty would be far more complex.

Chapter 11

The day of the field trip dawned bright and clear, and the students in Scootaloo's class were lined up eagerly for the field trip as soon as Sebastian arrived to lead it. "Well, aren't you all eager," he murmured softly, his eyes narrowed somewhat wickedly. "Well, come along all of you. Remember, be on your best behavior, and don't cause a ruckus." He pretended not to notice Scootaloo and her two friends bursting into giggles.

Sebastian then turned to Diamond Tiara. "You will remain in class until our return, catching up on your assignments," he stated, coldly but not cruelly. "As I said, I have arranged for someone to be here to oversee your work, and I expect you to pay him your utmost respect." He turned as Big Macintosh approached. "I'm glad you could be here so early, Mr. Macintosh. Slow day on the farm?"

"Eeyup."

"Will you be needing anything to help keep her in line?"

"Eenope."

"Do you feel comfortable offering assistance if needed?"

"Eeyup."

Sebastian nodded, then turned to Diamond Tiara. "The assignments you are to catch up on today are mathematics. As Mr. Macintosh is especially skilled in this area, feel free to ask him for assistance on any areas you don't understand."

Diamond Tiara nodded slowly. As she turned towards the classroom, Silver Spoon startled everyone by calling out, "Excuse me...Sebastian?"

Sebastian turned to the grey filly. "Yes?" he asked carefully.

"Would it be okay if I stayed back with Diamond Tiara?"

As everyone - Diamond Tiara included - turned to stare at Silver Spoon in shock, Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "Why? Your assignments are all completed and on time, often early. You have no reason not to attend the field trip."

Silver Spoon shrugged, wilting a little under the attention. "It's just...I wouldn't feel right leaving Diamond Tiara all alone while we were all having fun. She's my friend..." Unsure how else to express or explain herself, she fell silent.

Sebastian stared at Silver Spoon for a time, then turned towards Diamond Tiara. "Loyalty such as this is rare to find, cannot be bought, and more precious than any gem. Treasure this bond." He then turned back to Silver Spoon and nodded. "Permission granted. Be sure to obey Big Macintosh while in the classroom, and do not disturb Diamond Tiara's work."

Silver Spoon nodded eagerly, smiling widely as she rushed to Diamond Tiara's side. As Big Macintosh led the pair of fillies back into the school, Sebastian turned and led the rest of his class towards the Ponyville Day Spa.

As the group approached the spa, Scootaloo kept her eye open to take in as many details as she could, doing her best to make sure she didn't go in blind. The first thing she noticed was a brand new wing of the Spa colored blue. "...that's new," she observed idly.

"That's the new Relaxation Wing," Sweetie Belle piped up. "Some entrepreneur from the Far East who's a friend of the Blossom family showed up with a new business model he wanted to try as an attachment to a spa, and they let him set it up. I don't know what it is, but Rarity has tried it a few times and come home kind of...weird."

"Weird how?" Scootaloo pressed quickly.

"She was acting...a little loopy," Sweetie Belle explained. "Real giggly, and she creates a lot of designs when she's like that...ones she seems completely revolted by the next day. It's why she doesn't get that treatment every time she goes to the spa. She's not going today." She blinked, glancing towards Scootaloo. "Why?"

"I think I've just found the subject of my investigation," Scootaloo murmured softly. "Hope I don't bump into anyone I know as Scootaloo while investigating. I don't suppose we'll be touring that part?"

Apple Bloom shook her head. "When that wing first went up, Applejack went nosin' around. Found out there's a strict 'no kids' policy for that wing, beyond just what the rest of the spa has as far as what treatments ya get. After that, she flat out refused ta go in there at all."

Nodding, Scootaloo walked along with the class as Sebastian droned on regarding the Spa as though he were giving a very dry tour, waiting for her opportunity to make her move. Thankfully, that opportunity presented itself as the tour moved on. "And this is the hot tub area," Sebastian continued, "where patrons can relax their cares away with hot water, jets, and some herbal aromatherapy treatments-"

"Hi Rarity!" Sweetie Belle squeaked out, rushing forward to where Rarity was in the water relaxing.

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity yelped out in surprise. "I thought you said your class's tour wasn't until 2!"

"Oops!" Sweetie Belle offered innocently. "I got that wrong. The tour ends at 2."

"Well that's just-"

"Cannonball!" Apple Bloom screamed out, charging forward and leaping into the water with a huge splash.

The distraction was better than Scootaloo could have hoped. Not only did Rarity scream in frustration, every other student immediately began following Apple Bloom's example, as Sebastian simply watched on. If Scootaloo didn't know better, she'd think he was completely stupefied. As the chaos unfolded and spa attendants rushed in to try (futilely) to get things under control, Scootaloo slipped off to the blue wing.

As she reached the door to the area, it opened before she could reach the handle. The figure that stepped out was most unusual. It stood on two legs like a Diamond Dog, but had distinctively feline characteristics. It was lithe bodied, covered in blue fur, and its tail forked halfway down its length into a split-tail. As the figure turned towards her, its eyes closed to the barest slit to the point Scootaloo had trouble telling they were blue, she recognized it as a Nekomata, a rather persnickety race of tricksters from the Far East...though this one she recognized, and recognized her. "Ah, Sunrise," he offered softly, his voice oddly jovial. "I do hope you're here officially, as you're simply too young for my services."

"Lán èr(1)," Scootaloo responded coldly. "You know I'm here officially. You know how the Royals feel about your...enterprises here in Equestria."

"But of course," Lán èr confirmed with a playful bow. "They do not approve of the sale of potentially addictive or harmful substances to their little ponies, and I would never dream of flouting their authority in such a situation. I, of all creatures, would not want the Royal Watchdog on my tails." His eyes opened slightly as his smile vanished. "In all seriousness, My Lady, my condolences regarding your parents. Though not all the crossings of our paths were pleasant, I respected them greatly."

Scootaloo said nothing for a time. Eventually, she spoke again. "You said you aren't flouting their authority," she finally continued, moving past the painful topic. "Perhaps you'd care to explain your business venture?"

Once more, Lán èr's eyes closed and his playful smile returned. "But of course," he offered happily. "It is the will of the Royals here in Equestria that substances that could be addictive or harmful through overuse not be sold to the citizenry, and only be available to licensed medical clinics...and I quite agree. More often than not, possession of these products by those who would use them themselves leads to death through overuse, or worse symptoms...and that costs me customers. As such, I do not sell my product at all...only my services."

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "...explain."

"This wing of the spa is a properly licensed stress-relief clinic," Lán èr explained happily. "Customers come in, I provide them with controlled doses of my product and the means for them to use it, they do so here, and they go home happy. They can either bring someone to help them home, pay extra for one of my attendants not affected by the product's effects to guide them home, or rely on Pinkie Pie." His grin widened. "That last part is why I chose Ponyville as the first place to test this business model. She - and through her this whole town, I'd say - cares so much about everyone. I can't remember the last time I saw such a caring community."

"And...your controlled dosage ensures no one suffers any long term effects of using your products?" Scootaloo pressed.

"Absolutely," the playful Nekomata agreed. "I value my customers, after all. Even for a predator, it is far more economical in the long term to milk the cow over the course of years than to slaughter it for a few steaks." He paused. "Oh, forgive me if my metaphor distresses you."

Scootaloo shrugged it off. She'd heard it before. "And how did you get properly licensed?" she inquired curiously.

The infuriating feline chuckled as the doors behind him opened. "You can ask one of my customers," he offered playfully, his grin almost Cheshire wide.

"You were right, this was much more relaxing than a booksortcation," Twilight's voice said from within the smoky interior of the wing before she stepped out of the shadows. "And didn't take anywhere near as much time."

"As I said, Twilight," her companion explained, "very little affects alicorn physiology, so it can be quite difficult to find something that can truly relax you-oh!" The regal being turned towards Scootaloo in surprise. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Scootaloo!" Twilight gasped out. "What are you doi-"

"Princess Celestia," Scootaloo interrupted, her voice respectful but cold.

Celestia sighed softly as she recognized the tone. "Sunrise..."

"Sunrise?" Twilight demanded in confusion.

"I'll explain later," Celestia stated quickly.

"Does your sister know you're here?" Scootaloo asked firmly.

"Of course she does," Celestia responded warmly. "We don't keep secrets from each other."

"Does she know why?" Scootaloo pressed.

"She does," Celestia confirmed. "I told her I'd be availing myself of Lán èr's services on occasion when I approved his clinic license."

"Does she approve?"

Celestia's eyes widened in sudden understanding, then narrowed crossly. "So that's why you're here," she stated flatly. "I'll have a talk with Luna about appropriate use of Royal Resources when I get back to Canterlot. My apologies for this inconvenience."

"Please do, Highness," Scootaloo responded bluntly. "The Wingshadow crest is a Cerberus, not a Newfoundland(2)." After a few moments, she smiled. "Still, can't really pull out until Cheerilee gets back from vacation."

"And that could be for a while," Celestia observed playfully. "Do rest up, Sunrise. You might need it."

Nodding, Scootaloo turned and made her way back to the other students, really not looking forward to the next time she bumped into Twilight.

(1) This is...a rather multi-layer play on words regarding who this character is an expy of from the manga/anime, and name meanings translated back and forth. I wonder if anyone will get it?
(2) And this obscure joke relates to Peter Pan, of all things.

Chapter 12

The next several days passed in a regular routine for Ponyville. The sun came up and went down. Fillies and colts went to school and came home. Bullies bullied, and got in trouble when caught. Cheerilee remained on vacation, leaving Sebastian to fill in for her and extending Scootaloo's time in Ponyville. Twilight kept Celestia's explanation to herself as she and her friends went on various excursions of varying degrees of importance to Equestria's safety.

And then a visitor arrived in Ponyville from Canterlot, having taken the entire first-class car for himself and his guards. As he stepped out of the car with his guards around him, few could mistake his appearance. Pure white coat, flowing blonde mane and tail, shining white teeth in his smile, crystal blue eyes shimmering as he took in his surroundings, long spiraling horn, and the silver horseshoes and blue doublet he wore would allow anyone to instantly recognize Equestria's infamous Prince.

It was only when he reared up on his hind legs so he could reach to brace his front hooves on the ticket counter to give the ticket taker a wide smile, a friendly greeting, and a generous tip that most observers would realize this was the other Prince, who was far more enjoyable to be around...in short bursts.

This was Prince Bluebottle, younger brother to Prince Blueblood and frequently assumed to be a younger clone of the elder prince by anyone who didn't know the pair. However, one thing Bluebottle had - in excess, some would say - that his elder brother lacked was sincerity. This made him seem absolutely adorable, right up until he talked too long.

"My, what a quaint village!" he declared as he looked around, his tone oddly incongruous with his words given his station. When most nobles said 'quaint village', they said with the tone most would associate with describing something the cat dragged in. When ponies like Trenderhoof said it, the tone sounded more like 'fascinating specimen'. But when Bluebottle said it, his tone was that one would more commonly associate with 'adorable puppy'. Plainly, he was simply overjoyed to be here and see everything. He then promptly made his way into town, his guards hot on his heels.

Given the nature of the mind of social climbers, it was rather unsurprising that the Prince's presence in Ponyville did not go unnoticed, and that two certain fillies immediately homed in on him, one from long training by her mother and the other through association. After all, Diamond Tiara had been briefed thoroughly about Equestria's second Prince, the one in her age group, and exactly how to act in the unlikely instance that she encountered him. "Your Highness," Diamond Tiara greeted warmly as she curtsied, Silver Spoon mimicking her. "Welcome to Ponyville. You honor our humble home with your visit."

"Oh, I love coming to villages like this!" he declared happily, taking his eyes off his surroundings briefly to look the pair over. "There's always so many fascinating things to see that I'd never encounter up in Canterlot, and my guards tell me you find the prettiest fillies in these small communities!"

Bluebottle's nearest guard awkwardly cleared his throat, once again reminded of just how open and honest the young Prince tended to be...and knowing his fellows would never let him hear the end of feeding his charge that particular nugget of 'wisdom'.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon both blushed prettily. "Oh, you have such a silver tongue, Highness," Silver Spoon purred.

"I've been told," Bluebottle confirmed. "So, any idea where I might find them?" He glanced around curiously.

"Find...what?" Silver Spoon asked in confusion, finding her tongue a bit before her friend.

"The pretty fillies, of course!" Bluebottle explained. "If I wanted to talk to over-primped spoiled brats, I'd have stayed in Canterlot and socialized with the 'young elite'." In this case, the tone he used to say 'young elite' was the tone most nobles would use when discussing a 'quaint village'. "So where are the pretty fillies at?"

Diamond Tiara looked like she was about to explode, and only the fact that she was still talking to a Prince - and the thought of what her mother would say about it the moment she got her alone - kept her from actually doing so. Silver Spoon merely looked shocked and appalled. Diamond was about to turn and march off when Bluebottle suddenly gasped. "Now there's some pretty fillies!" With that, he turned and charged off.

The pair of bullies - slowly being reformed - turned to see what fillies had caught Bluebottle's eyes...only to see him throw himself in an enthusiastic hug at Scootaloo. Their jaws dropped to the ground, much to the amusement of the guards who marched past them.

Scootaloo let out a startled "Gnyak!" as a familiar pair of white forelegs wrapped enthusiastically around her neck. "Sunrise!" an equally familiar voice declared enthusiastically, though thankfully quiet enough that only herself, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle heard. "I missed you so!"

Scootaloo finally managed to get words out as she wriggled out of the enthusiastic embrace. "Bluebottle! What are you doing here?"

Bluebottle adopted a wounded expression. "Sunrise...I've asked you to call me BB!"

"And we're in Ponyville!" Scootaloo snapped back. "Here I'm Scootaloo, not Sunrise!"

Bluebottle's ears fell flat against his skull. "I'm sorry, Su-Scootaloo!" he whimpered. "But I've just been devastated with worry about you! First you miss three outings with no explanation, then I hear rumors that your home was torched only to find it's still there by the time I sneak out to see it, but no one was there to let me in! Then I hear you've inherited, but no one's seen you and none of the old help from the mansion has been seen, and then there's rumors of a new butler uncomfortably close to you- oh, my love, I was just so distraught! I had to see you!"

Scootaloo groaned, putting her face in her forehooves.

"Are you alright, my Sunrise?" Bluebottle asked worriedly.

With a sudden snarl, Scootaloo delivered a hard right cross to Bluebottle's cheek. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gasped...but Bluebottle only grinned widely before returning the blow just as hard, resulting in the pair rolling across the dirt as they tussled, pulling on each others' manes and punching in the ribs as they tried to pin the other.

"Ahem," Sebastian declared, staring down at them in teacherly disapproval. As soon as the tussle stopped, he continued. "Such behavior is most unseemly this close to the school grounds."

"Yes, Sebastian," Scootaloo growled irritably.

As Sebastian left, Sweetie Belle turned from Scootaloo to Bluebottle. "Uh...friend of yours, Scoot?" she asked carefully.

Bluebottle grinned widely as he caught sight of Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. "Wow, Scoot! You have really pretty friends!"

Scootaloo groaned in frustration. "I'll introduce him back at the clubhouse. If I did it here, the whole school would hear your reactions."

"A clubhouse?" Bluebottle declared eagerly. "I've never been in a clubhouse before! Do you have a password? Do I need to know the password? Is there a secret hoofshake-"

Scootaloo promptly plugged Bluebottle's mouth with her hoof. "Let's hurry..."

It didn't take long for the group of four to reach the clubhouse. Once safely inside, Scootaloo gestured to Bluebottle. "Girls, this is Prince Bluebottle of the House of Blue, younger brother to Prince Blueblood..." She sighed softly, pretty certain she knew what was going to happen with the next declaration. "...my fiance."

Apple Bloom's jaw dropped. Sweetie Belle reacted accordingly.

Chapter 13

"Fiance?" Apple Bloom demanded in shock. "Scoot, how the hay do you have a fiance at yer age?"

"I'm nobility," Scootaloo pointed out flatly. "Really, this isn't as big of a deal as you make it out to be."

"Is she always this excitable?" Bluebottle asked curiously.

"Normally Sweetie's the excitable one," Scootaloo admitted.

"What's that got to do with-"

"Oh!" Sweetie interrupted Apple Bloom's ravings. "Rarity talked about this! The nobility do a lot of arranged marriages. Something about bloodlines, didn't really understand it." She then turned full on to Scootaloo. "But you said you were a Countess! Even if Wingshadow House is super duper important, I thought that was shadow importance! How'd you land a prince?"

"Well you see-" Bluebottle began.

"No one else would take him," Scootaloo snarked mischievously.

Bluebottle put on a rather forlorn expression. "Your words, my love, though barbed and wounding...are regrettably accurate."

"Regrettably?" Scootaloo joked. "Bluebottle, you bragged about what you called the first filly that was presented to you. What was it? An..."

"An overdressed, over-pampered, over-primped spoiled brat with an over-inflated sense of her own importance and significance, shaped by egotistical uncaring parents into little more than a tool for their own social endeavors until any semblance of productive contribution to society had been squashed into non-existence leaving her little more than a dress-up doll for nobles who didn't know what it meant to be parents?" Bluebottle reminded her, smiling just a little.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's jaws dropped. "I...that wasn't even directed at me and I think I need some burn cream!" Sweetie Belle finally managed to squeak out.

Apple Bloom swallowed in surprise. "Okay, yeah, much as I can see yer point, I see why no one else would have ya." She turned to Scootaloo. "What ah don't understand is how you put up with him?"

The pegasus shrugged her shoulders, a smile shaping under her eyepatch. "Because he doesn't talk that way about me. Apparently, I'm the first 'young elite' he ever met who still had it in them to contribute to society, and thus was worth getting to know."

"And I'm apparently the only 'young elite' she'd ever met who wasn't so busy either looking down my nose at everyone or being a kiss-ass to look her in her eyes," Bluebottle supplied. "Her absolutely gorgeous eyes..." He turned a lovesick gaze towards Scootaloo, only to gasp in shock. "My love, what happened to your eye? Who has dared to mar your flawless visage?"

"Yer hardly one ta complain about her face when ya were punching it earlier," Apple Bloom pointed out, trying to steer the topic away from Scootaloo's eye since she knew it had something to do with what happened to Scootaloo's parents, a painful topic still.

"Only when she strikes the first blow!" Bluebottle insisted. "A gentlestallion must never strike the first blow against a lady, it is simply not proper." He smirked at Scootaloo. "But if the lady strikes the first blow, and said lady is the gentlestallion's betrothed...well, then it's just how young love manifests, so who is to complain?"

"Wait...you deliberately goaded her into punching you earlier just so you could wrestle with her?" Sweetie Belle gasped in shock.

"But of course!" Bluebottle pointed out. "For what other possible reason would I deliberately ignore a directive from my love in a manner that might upset her? I would never dream of deliberately upsetting her for no reason." He smiled at Apple Bloom. "Thanks for the tip about what not to discuss there, though. I'll keep it in mind." Apple Bloom grinned back.

Sweetie Belle then spoke up. "Okay, I've heard Rarity rant and rave about your older brother. If noble parents shape their kids so much, how come you turned out so different from him?"

Bluebottle chuckled dryly. "Actually, because of my big brother."

"EH?" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gasped in shock. Scootaloo rolled her eyes, having heard this before.

"You see, as soon as I was able to speak, Blueblood began a campaign to ensure specifically that I didn't turn out like him," the young Prince explained. "Where he will give fake platitudes in public and speak his mind in private, he made sure I would always speak my mind without holding back. Where he is obsessed with keeping himself immaculate to maintain the image of the perfect Prince, he encouraged me to run through every mud puddle I could find. Where..."

"You get the idea," Scootaloo interrupted, knowing Bluebottle would just continue to go on and on about this if he weren't stopped.

"Why?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

"I asked him that very thing once," Bluebottle admitted. "I'll never forget what he said that day..."

"Why?" Blueblood demanded in shock. "The answer is simple, brother dear. Because while turning out like me would be the best thing for the family, it would be the absolute worst thing for you. Don't you understand who and what I am?"

Bluebottle frowned thoughtfully. "My big brother?"

"Only to you," Blueblood responded with a smile. "But to everyone else, I am the Prince of Equestria...a useless noble twit, unmitigated ass, and a problem to be worked around with an unimpeachable position close to the throne."

"But...that's not you!" Bluebottle complained.

"Oh, it is," Blueblood admitted. "I know it. I own it. I am the perfect Prince our parents wanted. And so long as I am as I am, all I can do is enjoy what little freedom I have...to be an unmitigated ass." He chuckled softly, staring at his compass rose Cutie Mark. "When I was younger - not much younger than you are now - I dreamed of having a ship to sail, an ocean to sail upon, and a star to guide me...but our parents crushed those dreams out of me, for such things were not for the Heir to the House of Blue. The only way I can ever gain any freedom is if I were to claim a title of nobility independent of our family...which is why I courted that Sunset Shimmer mare Princess Celestia was teaching. She let slip something about becoming an alicorn, and I thought if I encouraged and helped her along that path she'd share the secret with me. As an Alicorn Prince...ah, but the chance - and the mare - is gone." He smiled down at Bluebottle. "So instead, I shall ensure you never lose your spirit of adventure, never lose your dreams...and always see me in a good light, so you'll come running back to me to tell me tales of all your great adventures, and I can enjoy a vicarious thrill through you enjoying the life I shall never have.

"So be brave, be honest, be true to yourself, never flinch from danger...and go out and cover yourself with valor and glory, so I can imagine what it must feel like as I listen to your tales."

Bluebottle smiled softly as he finished recounting that conversation. "He's done a lot to ensure I keep my adventurous streak," he concluded. "He even picks which mares he 'courts seriously' based on the ones who have younger siblings in my age group, and uses the 'courtship outings' as excuses to take me over to hang out."

Sweetie Belle's eyes popped. "You mean...Rarity would have had better luck snagging him if she'd brought me to the Gala?" she squeaked out.

Bluebottle grinned widely. "Oh absolutely! You three are exactly the sort he'd think was a good influence for me...the kind Mom and Dad would tear their hair out if they knew I was hanging around."

The fillies burst into peals of laughter at that, which the young colt soon joined in on.

Chapter 14

As the laughter finally passed, Apple Bloom voiced a question. "Bluebottle-er, I mean, yer Hig-"

"Oh, please call me by name," Bluebottle insisted quickly. "You are my love's friends, and therefore my friends. It is only fitting that friends call each other by name, disregarding titles. Friendship is too important for that." He sighed theatrically. "And for one of my station and demeanor, too few and far between to jeopardize just to please that stuffy old Dame Propriety."

Sweetie Belle giggled softly. "Is he always this over-dramatic, Scoot? He's making Rarity look like Applejack!"

Apple Bloom shivered. "Please don't make that comparison. It gives me bad mental images." Turning back to Bluebottle, she returned to her question. "So how many 'tales of adventure' have you managed to tell yer brother? Cause ah bet they don't top some of our Crusadin' attempts."

"Crusading?" Bluebottle asked curiously.

"It's our club!" Scootaloo explained eagerly. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders! We work together to try and discover our Cutie Marks by trying everything we can think of!"

"I just wish we thought of less dangerous activities to try," Sweetie Belle murmured softly.

"Oh, that sounds wonderful!" Bluebottle proclaimed happily. "What a wonderful way to gather even more tales of adventure to tell Blueblood! Though I doubt it will be as exciting as some that I've told him so far."

"Share a few!" Apple Bloom asked eagerly. "We might get some ideas for more Crusadin' attempts!"

Bluebottle grinned widely. "Well, his favorite has always been the one he's dubbed 'The Tale of Two Pendants'," he explained. "The one where I first discovered what it meant to be covered in valor and glory!"

"The Tale of Two-" Scootaloo began, only for her eyes to widen as she blushed brightly. "Oh please, not that one!"

"It's about you and Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle gasped out excitedly. "Details, details!" Apparently, she'd picked up her sister's passion for gossip about friends somewhere along the line.

Seeing Apple Bloom also looking eager, Bluebottle grinned widely as he raised up to his full height. "Ne'er would I hesitate to tell of my tales of bravery for my lady's sake! I shall regale you with the tale in all its drama and glory!"

"You'll translate, right?" Apple Bloom asked Scootaloo quickly, making the pegasus grin even as her fiance pouted.

Clearing his throat, Bluebottle began his tale. "It was early in our courtship, and we two did feel that the stuffy airs of Canterlot were unsuitable for a truly enjoyable outing for two such as we, and so we made our way in secret to a distant town with which to seek adventure and glory-"

"It was our first date and my parents sprung for train tickets for us, as long as his guards stuck with us," Scootaloo translated happily.

"-and at that distant settlement, what did we discover but that a grand festival was underway!" Bluebottle continued dramatically. "The music and dance was the likes of which we had never seen before in our lives, and we were absolutely entranced and swept away!"

"It was the Ponyville Foal and Filly Fair," Scootaloo elaborated, "and Pinkie Pie decided we needed a whirlwind tour of the festivities, much to the guards' frustrations."

"As we were enjoying ourselves, I noticed my love had her eyes on a gorgeous pendant that would surely bring out her beauty!" Bluebottle continued excitedly. "Of course, I gallantly sought to buy it for her as a gift, but I was informed it was not for sale! If I wanted it for my lady, I would have to win it in a show of skill!"

"It was a chincy carnival pendant," Scootaloo explained sheepishly. "Colored glass and bronze wire, worth maybe two bits. I just thought the lightning bolt design was really cool."

"In an exquisite display of skill and prowess, I took the challenge of that game to win the pendant for my love!" Bluebottle declared eagerly. "I dazzled all with my display, claiming absolute victory!"

"He spent fifty bits trying to win it, and the stall keeper finally took pity on him," Scootaloo translated, her tone somewhere between rueful and affectionate. Apple Bloom giggled in response, while Sweetie Belle let out a soft 'daw'.

"Having won the pendant for my love," Bluebottle continued, seeming not to have heard the 'translation', "we continued to explore the festival...but it was not enough excitement for us. Determined to have a truly unforgettable outing, we ignored warnings and made our way into a treacherous forest at the edge of the town, armed only with our wits and our not unimpressive skills!"

"Took a wrong turn and walked into the Everfree?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.

"No," Scootaloo corrected. "Went right in with the guards. No one told us it was dangerous till we came back out."

"Into the dark forest we journeyed, until we came across a beast unlike any we had seen before!" Bluebottle continued, dropping his voice to a hushed tone. "Like living rock it stalked towards us, baring a long maw filled with razor teeth, and glowing eyes that hungered for pony flesh!"

"Cragodile," all three fillies chorused simultaneously.

"Though it lunged, we were able to evade, but my love's raiment did cause her to slip, and untold tragedy unfolded!"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gasped in fear at that, turning towards Scootaloo in worry.

"I tripped on my gown and broke the chain on my pendant," Scootaloo explained, struggling not to laugh at their faces. "Wound up in the cragodile's mouth instead of my nose."

"The fell beast had stolen away my love's treasure!" Bluebottle declared fiercely, posing dramatically. "I could not stand for it! I dove into the very mouth of the beast in an attempt to retrieve it...only for my love to pull me back for fear of my safety, pleading with me to not worry her so."

"Actually, my exact words were 'Are you nuts?'" Scootaloo corrected. "Told him it wasn't worth it to get himself killed over a two bit pendant when we could just get another, since there were dozens available-"

"But I declared neigh!" Bluebottle proclaimed loudly. "The pendant was a symbol of my regard for my love! How could I simply replace it when it was lost? Would I just as churlishly replace my love should I lose her? Neigh, that was not the sort of stallion I would become! I would retrieve my love's treasure, whatever the cost!"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle turned to Scootaloo. "So...?" Sweetie began.

"No, that's actually what he said," Scootaloo pointed out, her cheeks slightly flushed. "He's always like that."

"As I prepared to dive back into the mouth of the beast, however, my love did remind me of skills I had overlooked that would prove useful," Bluebottle continued.

"I told him to use common sense and magic instead of getting himself eaten," Scootaloo corrected, putting one hoof to her face in resignation.

"And thus I did make my stance against the beast, declaring that if it did not allow me to retrieve my love's pendant, then I would unleash my wrath upon it, and that would not go well for it!" the young Prince continued, fully in his element. "So cowed was he by my declaration that it gave no fight!"

"One of the guards knew animal behavior, and said the cragodile was so stunned that something that had escaped its jaws wanted to go back in that it held perfectly still with its jaw open, convinced Bluebottle was poisonous and trying to kill it," Scootaloo clarified, startling more giggles.

"And thus I did retrieve the pendant for my love...who was so moved by my glorious endeavor on her behalf that she could not bring herself to wear it!" Bluebottle declared lovingly.

Scootaloo shrugged. "It was covered in cragodile saliva...and tree sap, for some reason. I wasn't going to put it against my nice dress, the laundry maids would have had an aneurysm!"

"She did declare to me that it was now too precious to wear where it might be damaged!" Bluebottle continued warmly. "She did suggest getting a duplicate and - as many mares did - keep the precious one in her jewelry box safe and sound, whilst wearing the less valued copy for display."

Scootaloo blushed brightly as her friends turned to her. "...not in so many words...but yeah, I did say that..."

"And thus we returned to the festival and told of our tale!" the young colt proclaimed proudly. "So moved by my bravery and compassion were the people that they did happily provide a second pendant for my love to wear!"

"He held the slimy pendant up to the stallion running the stall and whimpered," Scootaloo corrected. "He gave us a second one out of either compassion or pity, not sure which."

"And thus, with true pendant safe inside a box and copy adorning my love's neck, we returned safely home!" Bluebottle declared proudly.

"We both conked out from adrenaline exhaustion and the guards carried us home," Scootaloo translated in embarrassment.

"And thus why this, my first adventure, is my most important!" Bluebottle declared. "For I returned covered in valor and glory!"

"Tree sap and lizard spit," Scootaloo corrected with a giggle.

"And that day I learned that valor is sticky and glory stinks!" Bluebottle declared with a proud grin, causing his listeners to burst into further giggles.

Chapter 15

Once the laughter died down, it wasn't long before the group of youngsters decided it was time to go out and have some fun and try to find their Cutie Marks. At Apple Bloom's suggestion, Bluebottle left his hoofshoes and doublet behind in the clubhouse so they wouldn't get caught on anything as they rushed about on their various endeavors and 'getting covered in glory'. Much as Apple Bloom predicted, by the time they finished trying all the Cutie Mark attempts Bluebottle and Scootaloo together could talk the group into, they were so covered in 'glory' that had the Acres been a maple grove, they might have gotten Cutie Marks in being pancake toppers. Bluebottle's guards, upon seeing the state their charge was in after his 'outing' with his fiance and her friends, were not amused. Not surprised, but not amused.

Once the group of four were completely cleaned up, Sweetie Belle had a surprise. "Bluebottle, though you didn't earn your Cutie Mark today, you've definitely earned your place amongst us." Reaching in amongst the pile of oddments that filled the parts of the Clubhouse that weren't regularly used, she pulled out...a fourth Crusader Cape. "After Babs Seed joined, I got Rarity's help making a few more, just in case we got more members. Scootaloo, if you would?"

Grinning from ear to ear, Scootaloo pulled out the drums they'd used to welcome Babs as a Cutie Mark Crusader and began playing the same drumbeat, complete with her over-exuberant solo. She had to admit, it felt good to cut loose like that again. Bluebottle grinned widely as he stood tall and proud as though he were being awarded a medal by Princess Celestia herself. Sweetie passed the cape to Apple Bloom as she read off the prepared speech...copied as a form letter from Babs' induction. "We, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, elect Bluebottle to join us as a sis...brother," she quickly corrected herself, much to Scootaloo's amusement. "...friend, confidant, ally, bosom-buddy, gal-uh..." She beckoned one of the guards over. "What's the male form of 'gal-pal'?" she whispered inquisitively.

The guard thought for a time. "...given the area, I think it would be best to go with 'bro'."

Nodding, Sweetie made a quick mark on the scroll. "...bro, comforter, chum of chums..." She glanced over at Scootaloo. "Should we stop here like last time?" she asked hopefully.

Scoot jerked her head towards Bluebottle. "Why do you think I wrote something so long winded in the first place?"

Taking a quick drink of water, Sweetie continued. "Home...boy? Uh...amigo...I still don't know how to pronounce the rest of these...ah, here we go!" Getting to the bottom of the scroll, she turned to Bluebottle. "And fellow Cutie Mark Crusader!" she proclaimed dramatically. "You are solemnly sworn in, here this day, in witness of your fellow sisters, friends, compadres..."

Rolling her eyes, Apple Bloom walked forward to throw the cape around Bluebottle's shoulders as Scootaloo threw confetti.

"Yeah, we can stop there," Sweetie Belle agreed, pushing the scroll at Scootaloo. "You never did revise this..."

Bluebottle tied the cape around his neck with his magic, then lifted one hoof dramatically. "I do hereby solemnly swear to carry the good name of the Cutie Mark Crusaders with me wherever I go, to journey boldly into adventure and excitement in the name of destiny, and seek out in my hometown like-minded brothers and sisters of the quest to bring into the fold! I know not where I shall find such, given the nature of the citizenry of said hometown, but I shall search from tallest tower to lowest gutter until I've found every possible Crusader candidate, and every being, pony or otherwise, worthy of wearing the cape! This I so swear, as a Cutie Mark Crusader, Canterlot Branch!"

As the young ponies cheered, the guards glanced amongst each other. "So..." the one who had answered Sweetie's question began, "who wants to explain the cape to his parents?"

"Not it," the other three guards chorused immediately.

"...I hate you all..."

Sebastian smiled to himself as he tucked Scootaloo in for the night. He once again found himself mentally contrasting his present Master with his previous one, the similarities and the differences. Ciel had acted as though he had no investment in his own engagement, and yet had never hesitated to do whatever it took to make Lizzie happy when it truly mattered...even if he did claim it was because he knew Sebastian would always clean up any mess it caused. Sunrise, on the other hand, was obviously and genuinely attached to her betrothed, an attachment that was visibly mutual. If nothing interfered, they would make a deliriously happy couple someday...on the days they weren't actively trying to kill each other from driving the other crazy. But then, that's what a healthy romantic relationship was supposed to be like, as far as Sebastian was aware.

If nothing interfered...

...revenge to my satisfaction...

Why did those two thoughts immediately connect in his mind? ...he quickly discarded them. The contract was signed, after all, and in blood. There was no way to wiggle out of it for either of them. There were no loopholes. He would serve his Master to the best of his ability as he was ordered to until the contract was fulfilled. It was as simple as that.

As he stepped outside to ensure there was nothing that could be considered a danger to his charge, he saw a familiar figure approaching. "Mr. Rich," he greeted softly. "Isn't it a trifle late to be out? Shouldn't you be at home, tucking your daughter in, and taming your wife?"

At first Mr. Rich said nothing in response. When he did speak up, his voice was completely serious, nearly unrecognizable as his own. "Eyes of the moon-hound hunt in darkness."

Sebastian immediately tensed. That was a recognition code phrase for House Wingshadow's information network, and one that told Sebastian exactly what level of clearance Filthy Rich had. He also knew exactly how he was supposed to respond, to give his own clearance, the clearance Sunrise had assigned him. "The shadows' lies take six eyes."

Filthy's eyes widened in astonishment. "...here," he said finally, passing over an envelope. "It's everything I've gathered regarding...an organization of concern, based somewhat outside Equestria's borders."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "If it is outside, why is it of interest?" he asked carefully.

"It targets Equestrian citizens," Filthy responded. "Specifically the grief-stricken, or the egotistical."

Sebastian slipped the envelope into his jacket. "It will be investigated as appropriate. You have done well. See forever."

"See forever," Filthy responded immediately before turning to go.

Sebastian glanced at the envelope. Things promised to soon become...interesting.

Chapter 16

Scootaloo yawned and stretched as she sat up, rubbing her eyes as she glanced around at the walls of her Ponyville home. It was a Saturday, which meant she didn't have anything pressing waiting for her. No lessons back in Canterlot, no school here in Ponyville...nothing to do but hang out with her friends Crusading for her Cutie Mark. A huge grin spread on her face as she thought of all the stories of such antics she could tell Bluebottle and her Mom and Dad-

The sight of the eyepatch laying on her endtable brought the happy thoughts crashing down as reality rushed back into her mind. With it came the unpleasant recollections. The fire, the cellar, the dark ponies, her parents...

Closing her eyes, Scootaloo took several deep breaths as she struggled against her own heart. She wanted to grieve and move on like she was supposed to. She wanted to live the life that was taken from her. She wanted to dream of a happy life with her friends, with Bluebottle, with her parents...but those dreams couldn't be. Her friends were in just as much danger just from being her friends. Bluebottle would charge into the danger to protect her, and wind up like her parents. She would never have peace and a fulfilled life. There was only one thing left for her:

Revenge.

Calming her breathing, she reached over and picked up the eyepatch. Lifting it to her face, she tied it over the eye that held the Mark of Contract, the eye that had been plucked out and restored. With it firmly tied on, her heart settled, and control wrapped around her like a regal mantle. She was the Royal Watchdog. She would ensure that all that poisoned this land was dragged to Tartarus and destroyed. She would hold nothing back...and she would ensure her fate never befell those she cared for. That was her destiny now...a destiny that would never be written upon her flank.

Her morning ritual finished, she managed a soft smile as she hopped out of bed and made her way to the kitchen. Sebastian was already there, sitting at the table and working on lesson plans and grading homework since Cheerilee still wasn't back from vacation. A rather scrumptious looking omelette was at her seat at the table, along with a pile of homework assignments she hadn't completed yet, a stack of papers relating to Wingshadow's public business, and an opened envelope marked with only the Wingshadow crest. "Morning, Sebastian," she greeted warmly as she leapt into her seat, immediately burying her face in her plate as she devoured what was there.

"You have better manners than that, My Lady," Sebastian chided, his voice pained.

"Sunrise has better manners," Scootaloo corrected even as she chewed. "Because Sunrise has to be the perfect little heir. Scootaloo, on the other hoof, can be as messy and crude as she damn well pleases." Swallowing her mouthful, she chugged the orange juice set out for her before deliberately belching.

Sebastian shuddered violently. "My honorable butler ancestors would be turning in their graves at the sight of this if I had them," he murmured in mock despair. Scootaloo's eyes were sharp enough to catch the hint of a smile he tried to hide, however. "If that's the case," he continued as he resumed his aloof attitude, "then Scootaloo has homework to do-"

"Which you know I'm already three grades ahead of from your private tutoring," Scootaloo pointed out blandly. "So it's pretty pointless-"

"I tutored Sunrise," Sebastian interrupted pointedly. "I plainly know nothing of Scootaloo's abilities beyond what school records show."

Scootaloo glowered at Sebastian for a time. "...this is pointless make-work," she pointed out irritably. "I could do it in my sleep."

"Then it should be no trouble whatsoever to do so," Sebastian riposted, plainly enjoying the verbal spar.

Scootaloo turned her gaze back to the homework, grumbling irritably under her breath. "The only challenge of this is holding the damn pen," she groused.

"If you prefer, I will transcribe for you," Sebastian allowed diffidently.

"That'll work," Scootaloo decided firmly as she turned to the envelope. "So who brought us this?"

"Filthy Rich," Sebastian offered with a smile. "Quite the surprise that he's part of the network."

"Of course he's part of the network," Scootaloo countered. "He's a successful middle-class merchant with a chain store outlet in half the cities on the continent and traveling salesmen just about everywhere else. He can go just about anywhere for 'business' and talk to almost anyone, and all his inquiries are fully justifiable as business related. It's the best spy cover ever invented." Pushing her empty plate aside, she tilted the envelope to spill its contents. "So let's see what we have here."

"The information is regarding a cult in operation just outside Equestria's borders, targeting Equestrian citizens and nobles," Sebastian explained. "As I haven't reviewed the file, I don't know any more than that."

Scootaloo pushed through the papers. "Seems to be about the standard cult nonsense. 'Reunite with lost loved ones' and 'eternal life', all that road apples. If I believed in any of that, I'd have never summoned you in the first place and let those people kill me."

"Indeed," Sebastian allowed. "Aside from your personal distaste for cults, I'm not sure why this is of interest. Then again, Filthy Rich's passcode indicated he's deep cover, and he wouldn't have delivered this news personally unless he felt it was important to see to its safety." He rubbed his chin. "I got the impression that if my response had indicated I was anywhere but Wingshadow Inner Circle he'd have simply sent on a request for someone Inner Circle to come to Ponyville to collect the information, or to arrange a meeting with you personally to deliver it."

"And here I see why," Scootaloo murmured softly as she pulled out another sheet. "This cult isn't promising the reunion or eternity in the next life...but this one. And there are eye witness accounts of these 'holy transformations', and talk of those who have thus 'ascended'. It was at most a minor cult with few converts from Equestria...but they've been steadily growing since..."

Sebastian waited a time for Scootaloo to continue. When she did not, he deduced, "Since Twilight's ascension?"

"Yeah..." Scootaloo confirmed. "This cult...seems to be promising to turn ordinary ponies into alicorns...and has apparently delivered. This needs immediate attention..."

Chapter 17

Despite having a new priority investigation coming up, Scootaloo and Sebastian remained in Ponyville for the next several weeks. Balancing the dual lives meant maintaining the cover created of having Sebastian stay the substitute teacher until Cheerilee returned, and there was still no word back from her...save through Princess Luna, who sent a letter stating that Cheerilee was...enjoying her vacation. Scootaloo found the vaguely worded letter rather delightful for the implications it carried.

Scootaloo was not one to sit idly despite the delay, however. During the day, she attended classes, spent time with her friends, and pulled crazy tricks on her scooter just to prove to herself that nothing had changed, no matter how much evidence indicated to the contrary. This actually began to drastically improve as compared to previous visits to Ponyville, as before the first week was out Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's bullying had completely ceased. Much to Scootaloo's surprise, Diamond Tiara could be surprisingly pleasant when she wasn't going out of her way to be a brat. Scootaloo privately felt a stronger word applied, but 'teacher' Sebastian didn't approve of 'his students' using such language to describe their peers.

A big surprise that occurred was when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon actually came to the Clubhouse while the Crusaders were planning their next Cutie Mark attempt. While it wasn't the first time the pair had swung by there to tease, the hesitant expression on Diamond's face and the box of pastries on Silver's back suggested something different. Diamond's words as they stood at the door proved this even more so. "Can we come in?"

"Uh...sure?" Apple Bloom had offered in surprise. The pair had entered, carefully setting the box of pastries down on the floor.

Diamond shifted awkwardly before finally clearing her throat. "I...I've been talking with Daddy a lot lately," she began nervously. "About...about what's been happening in my life, how I've been behaving, the things I've been doing. He's...disappointed in me. I..." She swallowed convulsively, trying to find her voice. "Mom always drilled it into my head about our position, and how important it was that everypony remember we were important...and by the time I knew how to speak my own mind, I didn't know how not to be like her. It's...it's not an excuse for how I've treated all of you - well, everyone really - or for dragging Silver into it..." She turned worriedly towards Silver Spoon, who only smiled encouragingly. Turning back to the Crusaders, Diamond Tiara cleared her throat one last time. "I...I just want to say I'm sorry...for everything." She offered a shaky, nervous, hopeful smile.

The trio had glanced at each other in surprise...but it was Scootaloo who finally responded. "Apology accepted," she'd stated firmly.

"R-really?" Diamond asked in surprise. "J-Just like that? I mean...I was probably worse to you than-"

"Diamond, Bluebottle's told me about some of the fillies he knows up in Canterlot," Scootaloo explained. "Controlling parents are controlling parents, and it takes a lot to keep from being shaped. I'm just glad after everything your mother did that there was still some good in you." Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle quickly chorused their agreement.

Diamond Tiara managed to relax. "Do...do you think we could start over?" she asked hopefully. "I...I'd like a chance to try being friends."

"Ah think we can give it a shot," Apple Bloom allowed with a grin.

"What's in the box?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

Silver Spoon opened it up, revealing several cupcakes with stamps of apologetic pony faces on them. "We asked Pinkie Pie to help us make apology cupcakes," she explained. "She...apparently has a 'I'm sorry' stamp for that."

As the fillies eagerly dug into the cupcakes, Diamond cleared her throat. "So...how much hazing can I expect?" she asked carefully.

"...hazing?" Sweetie Belle asked in confusion.

"Some 'cliques' will give new members a hard time in various prank-related ways to make them 'earn' full membership," Scootaloo explained. "This is most common in high schools or college fraternities or sororities, but it happens with some younger groups, especially amongst the nobility or other 'influential' classes. Making them fetch and carry, wet willies, and the like."

"Not that I can't say I don't deserve it," Diamond confirmed, "but...I'd like to know how much I'm in for ahead of time. Makes it easier to push through."

Scootaloo tapped her chin thoughtfully. "So...you said your mom drilled it into you how important your social status is. That still important to you?"

"Well, yeah!" Diamond Tiara replied firmly. "We're still important, and I still want to be at the top...but it's like Dad said. If you have to step on someone to make it to the top, you're doing it wrong. So I'm going to stay on top Dad's way, not Mom's."

"Fair enough," Scootaloo replied with a wide, mischievous grin. "In that case, there's only going to be one bit of hazing. I'm going to tell you a secret...that the both of you will Pinkie Promise not to tell anyone, or ask questions about. The hazing will be handling that secret without talking to anyone about it or figuring out the answers behind it. Up to it?"

"Must be some secret," Silver murmured before joining Diamond in saying the words and making the motions of the 'unbreakable' Pinkie Promise.

"You saw how Bluebottle greeted me, right?" Scootaloo continued, seeing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle slowly grinning eagerly. "Did you ever wonder how I knew him?"

"Absolutely!" Diamond Tiara confirmed. "I mean, he's a Prince and you're just-" She suddenly corked her mouth with her hoof. "...sorry. Habits are hard to break..."

"Yer trying, that's what's important," Apple Bloom reassured her.

Scootaloo's grin turned positively wicked. "As for how I know Bluebottle..." She leaned in conspiratorially. Once Diamond and Silver leaned in eagerly, she whispered, "...he's my fiance."

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo took one look at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's faces and fell over on their backs, rolling across the floor in laughter.

During the evening, Scootaloo did homework, continued her studies as Sunrise, and did research regarding the cult the would be investigating as she planned their approach. Sebastian was always at her side for that, and though he didn't contribute much she always spoke aloud to him. It made things easier to conceptualize.

"So the cult is specifically targeting nobility," Scootaloo murmured as she observed reports regarding the group's 'recruitment' practices recently. "Looks like they're trying to get a political power base for whatever reason."

"It would seem so," Sebastian agreed mildly.

"And given how it promises being reunited with lost loved ones, anyone recently bereaved would likely be welcomed with open arms," she continued.

"A logical deduction," Sebastian confirmed.

"Then if they are up to no good, they'd leap at the chance to induct a recently bereaved noble," Scootaloo continued. "I could infiltrate the cult as Sunrise. Young nobility, heir to the family, recently bereaved...if they got me under their control, they could get control of the entire estate and all political power thereof. They're bound to go for it."

"...as you say, My Lady," Sebastian agreed blandly.

"You disagree," Scootaloo stated flatly, not a question.

"My Lady, I am but your humble servant," Sebastian offered mildly. "It is not my place to disagree-"

"Minotaur manure," Scootaloo snapped back. "Your contract states you serve me in the role declared to the best of your ability until such time as I achieve my revenge to my satisfaction. That doesn't just mean you clean house and make meals. That means your skills, your experience, your wisdom are also at my disposal. So if I throw a plan of action at you and you think I'm making a mistake, you speak up and tell me." Lifting her eyepatch, she revealed the symbol of contract. "Is that understood?"

Much to her surprise, Sebastian shivered in pleasure. "Yes, My Lady," he confirmed, bowing low before her.

Scootaloo lowered the eyepatch. "...do you like it when I dominate you or something?" she asked in concern. "Cause that makes me really nervous about expectations and appearances once I hit my majority."

Sebastian chuckled softly. "Nothing like that, My Lady. It is just that few Masters have ever utilized me to my fullest in a way that led to extended acquaintance. You keep me bound to the Contract as is proper...and yet you are able to enforce interpretations of the Contract I had not considered. It is...exciting."

"...you suck at being reassuring," Scootaloo pointed out blandly.

"If it is an important part of my role, I shall endeavor to improve in that area, My Lady," Sebastian promised.

"Now you were saying about my plan?" Scootaloo pointed out, returning to the original discussion.

"Wingshadow's true role is not completely unknown," Sebastian pointed out. "If anyone in the cult knows, you will be walking into a trap of your own making by going as Countess Sunrise Wingshadow. Then there is another possibility regarding your vengeance."

"...my vengeance?" Scootaloo inquired coldly.

"When I heeded your call and the Contract was bound..." Sebastian began carefully. "The place it happened had cultish overtones. What if it was a stronghold of this cult? As you may recall, on your orders your liberation was...far from quiet."

Scootaloo nodded in recognition of the delicate phrasing. "And I made you let one get away, so they'd know I was coming for them. And if this is them..."

"Precisely," Sebastian confirmed. "Caution must always be exercised...just in case the ones you investigate are the ones we hunt...ones ready for us."

"Or so they think," Scootaloo corrected. "However, your point is well made." She turned back to the papers to devise a new strategy.

Chapter 18

Cheerilee returned to Ponyville at the end of the month, looking relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take over her class once more. Sebastian stayed one extra day to help acclimate Cheerilee back into the coursework and where they were in studies, and then left her to it. His only parting advice was to contact Filthy Rich about the new arrangement regarding his wife and daughter's behavior. Cheerilee was flabbergasted yet relieved to learn that situation had been resolved, and fully intended to ensure it stayed resolved as best she could.

With Sebastian no longer needing to remain Ponyville's substitute teacher, Scootaloo's 'vacation' there came to an end. She said her goodbyes to her friends Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon. A few of Scootaloo's secrets had slipped out during talks with the former bullies - her status as nobility, her recent bereavement, Sebastian secretly being her butler - but the pair had sworn to keep it secret. Diamond Tiara had found the entire situation ironically hilarious, considering who her Mother had sicced her on as a bullying target in the name of 'social climbing'. Keeping her mouth shut on this let her keep to herself the ultimate proof that Spoiled Rich had been wrong about everything. Silver Spoon didn't have as much of an opinion on the matter, and was instead simply glad to see genuine smiles on Diamond's face.

With the return to Canterlot, Sunrise took care of the details of that side of her life that had built up in her month long absence. This included ordering new seed for the gardens since Silver Tongue had managed to kill the entire landscape with a leaky weed killer tank, ordering a fresh set of china plates because Gretchen had managed to smash the worst set while trying to clean the cupboard it was kept in, and ordering a new kitchen due to Flambe's allergy attack due to the dying plants. Thankfully, she had all those order forms pre-set as form letters, since it seemed she had to place those orders every time she left the trio unsupervised in the house. About the only thing the trio had managed to do right was to keep the cats fed and cleaned up after.

With all that fixed, Scootaloo decided it was time to investigate the cult. With Sebastian's help, she had crafted a strategy to be allowed in without drawing suspicion. She was going in under the name of Citrine, the orphaned heir to upper-middle-class entrepreneur family. Sebastian was the family butler and her legal guardian, though this gave him no authority over the estate. The same ripe plum of a wealthy estate attached to a grieving, 'impressionable' child without the danger of being caught out as being House Wingshadow...or being identified as the same filly from before if this was the cult responsible for what became of her parents. Towards the end of getting in smoothly, her agents in the area had been discussing the 'economic upheaval' of such an 'important company' now being run by 'a spoiled child'. Filthy's network proved especially useful in this regard, including creating the documentation for the company and imaginary family so 'Citrine' could make her way past scrutiny.

Despite the best investigation her network could manage, Scootaloo had been unable to locate the cult's 'stronghold'. All she'd managed to learn so far was of a few churches where the cult gathered and recruited new members. As such, they had decided to investigate the one to the south of Applewood, where her fictional family business - actually one of the many unofficial holdings of House Wingshadow - was based.

Making it to Applewood was easy enough. The heart of the budding 'film industry' had sky chariots coming and going at all hours. One more went completely unnoticed. Getting from there to the church was more difficult and time consuming, as 'Citrine' wouldn't have access to state of the art sky chariots, and would have to make that leg of the journey via chariot. That wouldn't have been so bad, but the only chariot available to her in mourning black was not properly protected against the environment, which made it less than ideal for a journey into the San Palomino Desert. Hot sun, dry winds, black chariot, and black mourning dress, petticoats, and veil all added up to make 'Citrine' hot, sweaty, and miserable before they were even halfway to the church.

As they journeyed, she found herself frequently glowering across the chariot at Sebastian. Despite the heat, the dry wind, his own dark coloration, and his dark suit, Sebastian lay regally upon his own seat showing absolutely no sign of discomfort whatsoever. "There are days I absolutely despise you," she growled out as he sat there with his smug smirk.

"I endeavor to please, My Lady," Sebastian teased back.

"Do we need to pick up a pair of Siamese on the way home?" Scootaloo snapped back.

Sebastian shivered slightly. "What have I done to upset you, My Lady?"

"How can you sit there like you aren't even feeling this heat!" she groused irritably.

"Because I don't feel the heat," Sebastian responded with a teasing smile.

Scootaloo grumbled irritably for a time. "Yeah, I should have seen that coming. Well...can't you act like you do? Or find some way to keep it from affecting me so much?" Reaching up, she tried to wipe the sweat from her brow, but only managed to disarrange her veil.

"But a Wingshadow butler who can't perform to his best in such conditions isn't worth his salt," Sebastian countered archly. "Besides, the whole point is for you to appear as bowed down with grief and miserably wretched as possible when we get there."

Scootaloo let out a soft growl, but said no more. He was right, and it was her plan.

Thankfully, it wasn't long before they arrived at the church. Rather than a soaring structure, it was a wide, flat building with wide halls and plenty of wide windows to catch and direct the slightest breeze, the roof shading an entire acre. As the chariot came to a halt, a white-coated mare with pink eyes wearing an all covering nun's habit approached them. "Welcome to Today's Hope, Citrine," she spoke softly, courteously. "We have been expecting you. Please, allow us to guide you to a cool bath before joining us for services."

Scootaloo did her best to hide her relief at the sound of a cool bath. Then again, the mare probably interpreted it as relief at being so welcomed by strangers in her bereavement...yet again playing into her plan. She'd just have to see what this cult was really about.

Chapter 19

As promised, Scootaloo was immediately guided towards a large natural spring where all members of the church - faithful and Servants - did their bathing in the desert heat. The 'Sisters' who were waiting quickly and deftly stripped Scootaloo of veil, dress, and petticoats, though did not remove the white bandage she wore in place of her eyepatch. It had been Sebastian's suggestion - which she'd agreed with - that a bandage would draw fewer questions or objections when 'undercover' than an eyepatch, and a mention of "doctor's orders" was all it took for everyone to ignore it or work around it. This gave Scootaloo plenty of time to take in the surroundings.

The spring was actually in the exact center of the structure, which had obviously been built up around what had once been merely an oasis. Rather than roofing, the spring remained shaded only by palm trees to maintain the natural feeling of the area, though the entire oasis was now contained by a courtyard. The structure extended outward from there over a wide area which appeared to cover mostly quarters and communal areas. The only other points of note were the large cathedral structure opposite the main entrance and the two soaring towers to either side. What struck Scootaloo as odd was that one tower was pitch black from base to top, while the other was pristine white, the towers being the only parts of the structure any color other than the plain grey stone of the rest of the structure. More than anything she wanted to ask about the purpose and reason behind this, but she had to be 'Citrine', the heartbroken, grief-stricken filly that this order would desperately want to snatch up...which meant she couldn't let herself get excited.

"I was wondering if you might be able to answer some of my questions whilst My Lady undergoes her ablutions?" Sebastian suddenly asked one of the 'sisters' tending her. "While Citrine does not speak much since her ordeal, she prefers that those around her speak. A group of silent people...reminds her of the funeral."

Scootaloo schooled her expression to hide the victorious smirk. She was glad she had that talk with Sebastian about his wits being at her disposal. She was completely confident that he'd be able to put together the details she was curious about based on where she directed her attention.

"But of course," one of the sisters - a pegasus who shared the same coloration as the earth pony who'd guided them to the bath - responded. "I will answer what I may. What is it you wanted to know?"

"The overall design of this place is...curious," Sebastian observed carefully. "For instance, the main structure is of plain grey stone without the slightest bit of ornamentation...almost ostentatious in its simplicity. An...odd design for places of worship, at least amongst those races that normally do worship. I admit I was unaware of any gods ponies prayed to."

"We do not worship any god here," the mare replied. "Our faith is based around the concept of the balance of life and death, the path of the soul. As all souls are fundamentally the same at the deepest level, so too is all in the communal structure the same, so no one is ever higher or lower than anyone else. Those who come here know themselves to be equal."

"Then why are the main cathedral and the two towers different?" Sebastian inquired curiously. "I admit the idea of a faith based around a concept rather than a figure to worship is curious in and of itself, but I presume such inquiries would be better answered by attending the service you mentioned."

The mare nodded with dignity. "True. The cathedral represents the concept of the soul itself. There we strive as a group to grasp the fundamental nature of the soul, and how they are all joined together by nature as a single force greater than any one of us could ever hope to be alone. The grandeur of the structure is to remind us to be humble regarding that concept, to know we are all equal and but parts of a far greater whole.

"As for the towers, that is where our most important rituals take place," the mare continued. "Only those of the faithful who have truly dedicated themselves to the faith, the church, and the hope it represents are privy to what goes on in either tower. The black tower is the Tower of Death, and the white one is the Tower of Life. Their opposite points relative to each other represent the journey of the soul from life to death to life again. Our churches are all built to the same plan, with the courtyard surrounding a local feature that represents life against adversity, such as this oasis in the desert."

"My thanks for assuaging my curiosity," Sebastian offered politely. "And for helping my charge remain comfortable. I hope I did not disturb you with my inquiries."

The mare waved her hoof dismissively. "It is our purpose here to enlighten those who journey to our halls to learn, and to provide comfort for those who come seeking hope in their hour of grief. It is both our honor and our pleasure to do so. But what of you? Surely the heat of the desert has bowed you down as well?"

"A butler of my caliber who can't handle this much isn't worth his salt," Sebastian replied demurely. "Much as you it seems, it is duty, honor, and pleasure for me to endure anything for the good of My Lady."

"Such dedication," the mare murmured thoughtfully. "You may make an estimable brother of our order."

Scootaloo couldn't stop a choke at that thought. Sebastian, a brother of a holy order...

"Are you well?" the mare actively bathing Scootaloo asked her worriedly, lifting her out of the spring.

Sebastian quickly scooped her up. "I am all she has in this world now," he offered softly. "The thought of me leaving her to join the order probably disturbed her. She does not do well alone."

The talkative mare smiled softly. "You are both with us now," she promised gently. "You will never be alone again."

We'll see about that, Scootaloo thought softly.

Chapter 20

It didn't take long for the Sisters to have Scootaloo bound up in a soft, thin white robe that kept her dry and comfortable without retaining the heat of the desert. Once she was wrapped up - and Sebastian was talked into putting one on over his 'uniform' - the pair was escorted into the sanctuary as 'worship' began.

At Sebastian's request, the pair were seated near the back of the cathedral 'so Citrine didn't feel all eyes on her', and he kept one wing extended around her 'for comfort'. In truth, this rendered her almost completely invisible to anyone looking to see where she was, and completely invisible should she tuck her head in under Sebastian's wing as though curling up for a nap. The plan was to hear out the sermons to see what the cult was saying to its practitioners, wait until everyone was fully involved, and then Scootaloo would slip out to explore other areas with Sebastian covering for her by claiming she'd curled up for a nap, and beg letting them remain exactly where they were on the basis that she'd had trouble sleeping since losing her family.

...Scootaloo did feel a little uncomfortable just how much truth was slipping into their lies, but it made it easier to stick to them.

It didn't take long for the cathedral to fill with Brothers, Sisters, and congregants. While most of the congregants seemed to be average citizenry, a few Scootaloo was able to recognize as the financially well off, and even one or two she suspected might be disguised nobility. That was rather worrisome, as this was far out of the way of the normal routes nobility traveled even when disguised. There were other outposts of this 'religion' easier to get to from Canterlot. Scootaloo had specifically chosen this one for how unlikely it would be for her to run into anyone who would recognize her or Sebastian. That there were nobles even here suggested the cult had its tendrils higher into the nobility than anticipated, that they had to scatter so far to avoid drawing attention.

As soon as the cathedral had filled up, one of the sisters stepped up to the lectern and began a benediction in a language Scootaloo didn't recognize. As it continued, other sisters pulled curtains over the windows, plunging the cathedral into near darkness...the only light green candle flames in the large chandeliers, and matching light from the horn of every unicorn Sister or Brother around the cathedral, giving faint illumination as the obvious 'regulars' pulled out tomes to read from by the green light.

Scootaloo frowned as she continued to listen. The mare who was leading the 'worship' seemed to be babbling nonsense, throwing random platitudes out as though they were supposed to mean something, mixed in with that other language. Despite that, the entire congregation seemed to be nodding along as if it was the most moving thing they'd ever heard. She could swear she saw a couple openly weeping. Glancing up at Sebastian, she saw a deep frown on his face. Tapping his shoulder, she waited until he turned his head towards her, then tapped her covered eye.

Sebastian nodded in response. He then lifted one talon to Scootaloo's forehead, right where she'd have a horn if she were a unicorn, and crossed his claws so she could feel it in what was semi-dark to her but was clear as day to him.

Scootaloo nodded, understanding exactly what that meant. Magic was at play, and not unicorn magic. She then gently tapped his wing, and then herself.

In response, Sebastian lifted his wing just enough so she could slip out without ruffling his feathers and drawing attention. Apparently, it wasn't him - or at least, no active action on his part - that protected Scootaloo from the magical influence. Slipping out of the robe, she slid down to the floor as silently as she could manage, leaving Sebastian to rearrange robe and wing to make it look like she was curled up for a nap. She then stuck close to the shadows, avoiding any lines of sight with the Brothers and Sisters as she made her way out of the cathedral.

Scootaloo was pleased to see that the rest of the outpost was all but deserted, with just about everyone inside the Cathedral. However, as she made her way around the place, she heard an odd chittering every so often. It sounded almost like a grasshopper, but a bit more hostile. Each time she heard it, she would duck behind the nearest pillar and try to locate the source, but the moment she stopped moving the sound would cease...and it never came from the same direction twice in a row. Frustrated, she continued her directed investigation. Her goal was the black Tower of Death. In her experience - and her lessons from her parents - people and organizations liked to hide their secrets in darkness. A solid black tower amidst the desert even looked menacing, keeping away those who didn't know what they were looking for. It was the obvious place to start seeking out what this 'religion' was really up to.

Getting into the tower proved surprisingly - almost disappointingly - easy. Not only was the door not even locked, the hinges were well oiled to the point it swung open with nary a sound. Staying on her guard, Scootaloo stepped inside, glancing around as she let her eyes adjust to the darkness. To her surprise, the tower contained only a single stairwell going up towards the top of the tower and down to beneath the ground. Before deciding which way to go, she made her way towards the stairs leading up. Much to her surprise, despite the entire tower seeming to be made from solid obsidian, her hooves made no sound on the rock as she stepped. The entire tower seemed to be consumed by the silence of the grave.

As she thought that, a scent tickled her nose...a familiar scent. Swallowing nervously, she made her way down the steps to below the tower, finding underneath a massive cavern with what looked like an operating table at the front.

Beyond the table, laid out on endless slabs beneath green light...the source of the scent...

Turning, she fled blindly from what she saw down there, and from the memories it dragged out of her psyche. She raced straight up the stairs all the way to the top of the tower. She nearly ran right off the top...only to be seized by sharp talons. Only the sudden flaring in her eye kept her from flailing aggressively in Sebastian's grip as he pulled her into an embrace.

One of the Sisters raced up. "Sebastian, you shouldn't-Miss Citrine?" she gasped in shock.

"It is as I said," Sebastian offered apologetically. "It appears the darkness disturbed Citrine, and she went looking for the closest high place she could find. I don't think she's quite ready for services. Can we perhaps have a room for the night, so she can regain her composure?"

"Of course, Sebastian," the Sister responded warmly. "Please, follow me." Turning, she led the way back down the Tower.

Scootaloo clung tightly to Sebastian as he carried her down the stairs...the same way she'd clung to him the last time he'd carried her out of a place that smelled like that room...

Chapter 21 Author's Note

A segment of this chapter will be...pushing the gore envelope, in my opinion. The segment will be marked with red text on either end of the portion. Feel free to skip if you're at all squeamish.

Chapter 21

As part of the cover Sebastian had given for 'Citrine's behavior, he and Scootaloo were given a room with a view of the setting sun, along with several candles to give the room full illumination. Sebastian then waited patiently for His Lady to regain her composure, knowing that if it was something that had caused her to relive trauma - as it had felt to him through the Link of the Contract - it would likely be several hours before she fully recovered. He settled himself around her so she was comfortable and protected, and then waited. As per the terms of the Contract, unless something related to his Duties called him away, he would wait forever.

As per his request, the pair were left alone until the following day, save for meals left just inside the door. It was just after sunset when the dinner offering - a rather simple salad for each of them - arrived, and as he arose to place them on the small table that Scootaloo finally stirred. She sat up slowly, blinking her visible eye as she almost instantly gained complete control of herself. As she moved to hop up into her seat on the table, Sebastian sat across from her. "Tell me what you saw," he instructed softly. This was not actually a request for information. As her servant, he didn't need the information unless she decided he did. However, having her speak it to him would allow her to organize the information and deal with it intellectually, without the emotional impact.

Scootaloo slowly ate her salad as she let her mind move back over those events, her weather magic working internally as her heart became surrounded by a deep cold to keep her reactions under control. "Beneath the Tower of Death is an abattoir," she murmured softly, her voice completely monotone. "The dead are laid out on tables like a morgue, with a light to feign respect...but there are no spells to preserve the dead, no true respect, not even a spell to contain the stench. And the dead have been desecrated. Pieces of their flesh have been carved off, including all wings and horns. Pieces of flesh that match the cut portions in shape but show signs of having been cut from living flesh rest next to the bodies. The tables stretch back into the dim room, further than I can see. The scent assails my nostrils...the scent..." She began to shake as the ice around her heart started to crack.

"Come back," Sebastian instructed firmly, reaching forward and pressing one talon against her nose. Scootaloo's eye crossed in response, and she came back to herself.

Scootaloo shook her head as she dispelled the recollections, focusing on them as nothing but a set of facts. "Whatever this is, it's no simple religion," she stated flatly. "Does it mean anything to you? What I've described, I mean?"

Sebastian shrugged his shoulders. "There are numerous possibilities based on my experience," he allowed. "However, I am not native to this world. There is no telling what of my experience might apply here, and any that don't might color your expectations, and thus your perceptions. As such, it is best I not divulge any of my experience until we have more information. All the same..." His voice trailed off, scratching the underside of his beck with one talon.

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "All the same?" she coached firmly.

"Nothing in my experience involving such things would ever be qualified as 'good' for mortals by anyone sane," Sebastian concluded. "I know not what purpose such things could have here, but it would be best to be careful. Given what has been perceived, it would be best none learned of our suspicions...and that we left as soon as possible."

"Not yet," Scootaloo countered. "There's one more place we need to investigate."

"...the Tower of Life," Sebastian allowed, his voice resigned. "You are not making it easy to keep you safe."

"If it were an easy task, I'd have brought Flamberge," Scootaloo stated bluntly. "It doesn't need to be easy if I brought you...now does it?"

Sebastian grinned softly. "Agreed. I would not be worth my salt if I could not do this much."

Scootaloo looked out the window. "It's after sunset," she observed calmly. "As soon as I've finished eating, we'll move." She slowly started pulling back on the 'mourning outfit', though this time slipping a black bodysuit on underneath it that had been hidden in the one suitcase they'd brought, which Sebastian had claimed contained 'Citrine's medicine for 'panic attacks, among other things'. "You'll take me for a walk in the night air, and when we aren't being observed I'll 'slip away in the dark', and make my way into the Tower of Life."

"And should you be discovered, I'll be at your side immediately, apologizing for your wandering," Sebastian confirmed. "So young and undergone such recent tragedy...you plainly weren't ready to be amongst people again as yet."

Scootaloo grinned, glad to see that - as always - they were on the same page. "Then let's go."

The grounds of the monastery at night were deathly quiet, with not even the sounds of the desert around it penetrating into the interior. Sebastian led Scootaloo around for a time, but their original plan was thwarted upon the discovery that the door into the Tower of Life was locked. Scootaloo considered ordering Sebastian to break it down, but knew that even if he was successful, the noise would draw far too much attention and they'd lose their chance to discover anything. Not only that, it was a magical lock rather than a physical one, making it impossible to pick since they still didn't know what sort of magic it was.

It seemed like it would be impossible to get in...until they saw green light approaching from the entrance to the Tower of Death. At a sign from Scootaloo, Sebastian seized her and pulled them both up to the underside of the roof of the covered path, allowing the group to pass by without noticing them. Scootaloo saw the group consisted of four of the clergy - it was impossible to tell from this angle if they were Sisters or Brothers - with horns illuminated with green light in a four square around a congregant in a white robe who was supporting a pony in a black robe, who staggered along as though they were in extreme pain but refused to let even a single sound escape his lips. The group was making a beeline to the Tower of Life at a slow and steady pace.

Sebastian didn't need to be told what to do. Shifting Scootaloo to between himself and the roof, he made his way carefully along after the group, making sure the shadows cast by the green light would hide them both. However, despite their best efforts, they weren't able to get into the Tower after the group before the door sealed behind them.

"The Tower of Death was open air at the top," Scootaloo whispered.

Nodding, Sebastian shifted Scootaloo to his back, then silently took to the skies. Once above the tower, he was able to see clearly down onto it, and mentally recorded every detail so he could pass it on to His Lady later. From what he could see, the Tower top was completely flat, but covered in runic designs. There was a spiral staircase descending down into it, up which the group they had witnessed ascended. In the exact center of the tower roof was a hole, through which green fire rose in a continuous stream.

-Warning-

And then the stallion let his black robe drop as he approached the green flame, and the cause of his pain became visible. Bits of his flesh had been surgically removed, and chunks of dead flesh stitched in their place. The stallion was a unicorn...and part of the stitched on dead flesh included a partially decayed set of wings. At the guidance of the clergy, he stepped into the green flame.

To the eyes of the congregant, it must have looked like a magical transformation...but Sebastian saw more clearly. The stallion fell into the fires and burned away without scent...and something arose from the fire wearing his image, stepping out of the fire with no sign of dead flesh on him, and a healthy set of wings in addition to his horn.

-Warning-

Only a few things in Sebastian's experience explained what he had just witnessed, and all of them said that if he was to protect his Charge, he had to get out of there now. "We are leaving immediately," he whispered urgently to Scootaloo as he winged back down into their room, grabbing everything they had brought.

"What did you see-" Scootaloo began to demand.

"I will tell you when we are back in Applewood," Sebastian interrupted. "Forgive my disrespect, but I cannot achieve your vengeance for you if you are dead."

Nodding, Scootaloo clung to Sebastian's back as he flew straight for Applewood.

Chapter 22

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 23

With a course of action decided, Scootaloo went to the first place she needed to investigate to begin her plan...her father's business records. She knew that there were some Changelings working for his company, and they would be a good place to begin. However, she didn't know who they were, or even if their official employment records would list them as Changelings. As such, the first stop was the record keeper's office. "Deik-Beck!" she called out.

"Ho ho ho!" the ancient golem responded as he turned to face her, a puff of steam leaving the smokestack on his head.

"I need to talk to the Changelings that worked for my Father," she stated firmly. "How do I contact them?"

"Ho ho...ho," Deik-Beck responded, turning to walk deeper into his office. Curious, Scootaloo followed only to see him move to one of the oldest shelves in the office, one holding records that dated back to the founding of Wingshadow House. At first she thought Deik-Beck didn't understand, but he firmly withdrew and handed her a single envelope, with 'open only in the privacy of the office' written on the front.

"Uh...are you sure this is what I need?" Scootaloo asked in confusion.

Deik-Beck nodded firmly, prodding the envelope with one clockwork finger before turning to have some more tea.

Confused, Scootaloo took the envelope back to her main office where Sebastian waited for her. "Close all the curtains, turn up the lights, and raise the magic protections," she instructed firmly.

Nodding, Sebastian immediately did as bid. Once he was finished, however, he tensed up as Scootaloo opened the envelope. "My Lady, there is magic in that envelope, and not unicorn magic."

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" Reaching in, she slowly pulled out a single card with a runic circle drawn on it, along with an incantation written below. "Demonic?"

Sebastian looked closer. "...no. This is simply a two-way gate spell, tied to a specific individual. Read the incantation and throw the card to the ground, and the individual will be teleported to the card. At will, the one summoned can send themselves back to where they were."

"Equestrian based?" Scootaloo pressed firmly.

"There do not appear to be any runes tied to other planes of existence," Sebastian quickly reassured her. "It also shows signs of having been used frequently, but no battle damage."

Scootaloo nodded, then looked at the inscription. "...alright then..." She threw the card to the floor, circle side up. "Venit amicus loqui!"

The card released a flare of red light. When the light faded, a wrinkly brown stallion with grey mane and tail, pale green eyes, no Cutie Mark, and a faded green top hat appeared, a rake in his hand. Looking around at his surroundings, he frowned. "I'm generally granted the politeness of a scheduled appointment," he muttered, his voice suddenly far deeper than what fit his appearance.

Scootaloo titled her head in surprise. "Aren't you the Castle Gardener?" she asked in surprise.

As he turned towards her, the old stallion's frown faded. "Oh, that's why. Well, the first meetings are always awkward." He coughed a few times...then blazed with red-tinged green light and flame.

When the light faded, a very different figure stood there. His overall body shape was like a cross between a beetle and a pony, with thick three-jointed legs, a bronze carapace, and long horns that curled back from either side of his head. His eyes blazed crimson, and his mouth opened into a wicked pair of mandibles before closing again. "It has been some time since I took my true form," he greeted, his voice echoing. "I am King Crimson of Frenzy Hive. By the Ancient Treaty, how may I assist the House of Wingshadow to guard our adoptive home?"

Scootaloo's eye was wide and staring, struggling to get control of her rapidly beating heart. Forcing her eye closed, she took a few calming breaths. "I haven't been fully instructed," she stated as calmly as she could manage. "Start by explaining the Ancient Treaty."

Crimson nodded regally. "When the House of Wingshadow was first formed, the most common crime it dealt with was rage driven murder. Tensions were high after the civil war between Celestia and Luna, and tribal tensions were still strong. Blackwind Wingshadow was ordered to find a solution. He found me. He knew Changelings fed on emotion, that the feeding process left the one fed upon slightly dazed and without the emotion that was thus drained if the feeding was forced, and not given freely. He knew the Frenzy Hive fed on rage and hatred. So he made a deal: my Hive would have a permanent home in Equestria, leeching away the hatred between ponies that tore at the Harmony that kept the land together, allowing them to think clearly and choose more logical and peaceful solutions to their problems. In addition, we would aid in the defense of the country, and assist House Wingshadow with any Changeling related issues.

"Before the treaty, there were nearly 25 murders in Equestria for every 100,000 citizens per year. Overnight, that number dropped to an average of .002. There hasn't been a murder in Equestria for 500 years. As part of the Treaty, only House Wingshadow is even aware we are here."

Scootaloo nodded, recognizing this as just one more secret she needed to keep. "Is there a Changling Hive that feeds on hope or grief?" she asked carefully.

"A few," Crimson responded. "Their methods vary."

"Which would feed on both, and do so by promising ascensions?"

Crimson's face twisted in distaste. "Lucretia," he hissed angrily. "If she is making a move on Equestria, you must be ready to counter forcefully, as I shall be. Chrysalis was merely insane, that her plan would have destroyed what she sought to feed on. Lucretia, however...she is empty inside. While her hive feeds on hope and grief...she has her soldiers capture the last moment before a subject's death - right when their hope of becoming something more turns to the despair of realization that only death awaits them - for her personal consumption. She is cruel, vicious, and empty inside. She cares nothing for what happens to the world or her own subjects...but her authority with her Hive is absolute. So long as she lives, they are bound to her will."

"Then if she dies, the Hive might survive and find a new path?" Scootaloo coached hopefully.

"Depends on her manner of death," Crimson countered. "If she dies to a royal of her Hive, then the Hive will continue. If she dies to a royal of another Hive, her Hive will be absorbed into theirs. If she dies to a non-Changeling, her Hive will be broken, and the Lings will scatter until they are found and welcomed into other Hives...or until they find places to belong as rogues." He raised a hoof. "And before you ask, I cannot face her. Not only would my challenging a Queen directly lead to a great deal of conflict amongst the Hives, I am uncertain I'd be able to best her...and if I fell to her, all of my Hive would become hers. I cannot allow that."

Scootaloo nodded. "Quite alright. I didn't plan for you to. But can you tell me how I can find Lucretia?"

Crimson tapped his chin. "I will look into that. Tracking the movements of Changelings in hiding is most easily done by Changelings." With that, he returned to his pony disguise and vanished.

As Scootaloo sat back to take a few deep breaths, Sebastian walked over with an envelope. "We are needed back in Ponyville immediately," he observed calmly. "An urgent matter has arisen."

Author's Note

King Crimson's appearance based off the 'Satanic Devil Beetle', as it is called. Pictures here:
http://zazenlife.com/2012/08/08/meet-the-satanic-devil-beetle/

Chapter 24

It didn't take long for Scootaloo and Sebastian to return to Ponyville, and when they arrived they found turmoil. Ponies seemed to be rushing here and there babbling about something or other, all of which preceded by asking whoever they'd just approached 'Did you hear?' Recognizing that this would simply be the usual rumors - which would have about as much resemblance to the reality of the situation as a reflection in a funhouse mirror - a different approach would be needed to determine what was going on and the appropriate course of action. "Can you see Pinkie Pie?" Scootaloo asked Sebastian intently. If anypony in Ponyville was certain to know what was going on here, it would be the party planner who kept records of everything that happened to everyone in Ponyville. Scootaloo had once suggested to her father that the mare should be recruited as an information source for Wingshadow, but had been told she - amongst four other Ponyville citizens - were among those Wingshadow wasn't supposed to touch, under orders from Princess Celestia. In hindsight, that made perfect sense.

Sebastian took a quick glance around. "I do not see her," he responded firmly. "She may be out of town, or involved elsewhere in whatever's going on, or in something else...like a monster attack or friendship problem."

"Well we don't have a half hour to wait," Scootaloo grumbled. "Your ears are better than mine. Listen to everything people are saying and see if you can notice a common name or place. Somewhere we can begin."

"Filthy Rich," Sebastian responded immediately. "The rumors vary wildly, but they all mention him in some way, shape, or form."

"Do you see Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Apple Bloom, or Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo demanded intently. "If it's something to do with Filthy Rich, Diamond will know what's up, and one of those three is bound to know where she is."

"All four are just outside the hospital," Sebastian stated calmly in response, his raptor gaze having locked onto the group of four even before Scootaloo had made her demand.

"Get me over there," Scootaloo stated firmly, climbing onto Sebastian's back.

Sebastian immediately leapt into the air, giving a quick flap of his wings as he ducked between flying pegasi, moving carts, and walking ponies, expertly finding every gap he could slip them through and making excellent time. Scootaloo found herself somewhat irritable that Sebastian was showing up Rainbow Dash in the air, but quickly discarded the emotion as unimportant to the situation. As she clambered off Sebastian's back, she saw Diamond Tiara was red eyed from weeping and tense with worry. Silver Spoon was pressed tight to her side, plainly trying to offer comfort. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were close, watching her worriedly, but perked up as Scootaloo and Sebastian arrived. "Scoot!" Apple Bloom called out in relief. "Have ya heard?"

"Only that something happened, and it has something to do with Mr. Rich," Scootaloo responded immediately. "I didn't want to take anything else random gossip said at face value. So what happened?"

"D...Daddy had an accident..." Diamond Tiara sobbed brokenly. "I...I don't know anymore than that. The...the doctors said he won't wake up...and as soon as they said that, Daddy's lawyer stepped in and said nobody could come into his room! Mom's throwing a fuss...but he wouldn't even let me in! Why would his lawyer have more authority than Mom?"

"Nobody at all?" Scootaloo asked in surprise. "Not even doctors?"

"Just Dad's personal physician," Diamond Tiara continued, managing to get control of herself by focusing on the questions. "He's part of the house staff, worked for Dad since before he married. Mom doesn't like him, but he's always been nice to me..." Noticing Sebastian there, her eyes widened. "But...he also said you could come in, Sebastian sir. The lawyer, that is. You and...the authority you represent?" There was plainly a question in her eyes.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" he asked carefully. "In that case, you'll need to excuse us. We need to go in there." Nodding, Scootaloo turned to lead the way.

"Wait!" Diamond called out worriedly, making Scootaloo stop. Sebastian stopped with her. "How...how do you know Daddy? Why would his lawyer say you could go in? What authority? You...you're just a substitute teacher...aren't you?"

"Sebastian and your father were both part of...something bigger," Scootaloo offered carefully. "I'm part of it too. If your Dad's lawyer says only Sebastian and those he represents can see him in this state...then things aren't what they seem. We can't say more than that yet." Without another word, she led the way into the hospital.

It wasn't difficult to find Filthy Rich's hospital room. Spoiled Rich was standing right outside it, shrieking like a banshee as an older unicorn stallion with a gray coat, orange mane and tail, bronze eyes, and a Cutie Mark of a set of scales wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase stood firmly between her and the door. Scootaloo didn't even need to hear her words to know she was trying to strong arm her way past the lawyer...who was standing patiently as a wall between her and where she wanted to go and otherwise ignoring her.

Sebastian walked up to the lawyer. "Excuse me, I understand I am wanted? I am Sebastian."

"And just what makes you think you can-"

The unicorn's horn glowed, and a zipper appeared out of nowhere to seal Spoiled's lips. "I'll need some verification," he murmured softly. "I can't just take your word for it."

Nodding, Sebastian reached into his coat and pulled out a small image of the Wingshadow crest, keeping it between himself and anyone but the unicorn who asked.

The lawyer nodded calmly. "I'm Balanced Scales," he greeted, firmly but quietly so only Sebastian heard. "Call me Scales. Step inside. I have firm instructions regarding this situation, and I'm to let you and...your superior...examine him before carrying the rest of them out. Are they here?"

Sebastian glanced Scootaloo's way. Nodding, Scales shifted to let the pair enter, once again ignoring Spoiled Rich's protests.

Filthy Rich lay on his side on the hospital bed, a wound to the back of his head carefully bandaged and tubes going in his mouth, nose, and foreleg. Sebastian moved forward carefully, examining Filthy as the vital monitors beeped the steady cadence of the still living. Peeling back the bandage, however, he froze. "Something wrong, Sebastian?" Scootaloo asked carefully.

"...I think I recognize the nature of this wound," he offered calmly. "However, if I am right...the strike is far too careful for who I know to wield the weapon to have done so. He has never been concerned with neatness..."

"You think you know who did it?" Scootaloo demanded firmly.

"...I have an educated guess," Sebastian corrected. "However, it assumes nothing in this world duplicates what I know. ...do you know of a tool called a chainsaw?"

Scootaloo shook her head. "Can't say I've ever heard of one. What is it?"

"...something we must be wary of..."

Chapter 25

As Sebastian and Scootaloo stepped out of the hospital room, the zipper spell on Spoiled's mouth wore off and she once more launched herself into full voice. "There! These two went in! Now are you going to let me in as his spouse, or do I need to press legal action-"

"You don't have legal action to press," Scales stated flatly. "As per the instructions of his living will, I act under my power of attorney. Now that Sebastian has finished his examination, no one is to enter the room save my client's personal physician unless and until he wakes and requests otherwise. Dr. Treatment will take care of that from now on, however. For now, I need to gather those who are supposed to hear the living will."

"L-living will?" Spoiled demanded, a bit of shock slipping into her rage.

"Yes," Scales confirmed. "Last month, Filthy Rich contacted me and made out a living will to be carried out in the event he was rendered comatose or otherwise alive but unable to make legal decisions for himself, as well as updating his Last Will. Sebastian, the instructions are that you are to be present, as is Spoiled Rich. Would anyone know where I can find..." He lifted an envelope from his briefcase and glanced at a sticky note on the front. "...Granny Smith, Big Macintosh, and Applejack at this time of day?"

"Granny and Big Mac are probably at Sweet Apple Acres," Scootaloo spoke up. "Applejack will be there too, unless she's off with Princess Twilight handling a Friendship Problem or monster attack, or outside taking care of Apple Bloom."

Scales nodded. "I see. Are you with Sebastian?"

"You could say that," Scootaloo allowed, noticing how quiet Spoiled Rich had gotten as soon as the Apples had been mentioned.

"In that case, you are to be present as well," Scales stated firmly. "We will meet in my client's study, where I will set up the proper charms to ensure that we will not be overheard. Sebastian, could you by chance gather the individuals mentioned for me?"

"Of course," Sebastian responded immediately.

It didn't take long for everyone to gather in the study, filling up the chairs as Scales sat behind the desk. Granny Smith claimed the rocking chair, rocking back and forth as she watched everyone carefully. Big Mac simply sat on the floor beside Applejack, waiting impassively. Applejack and Spoiled Rich sat far apart from each other, glaring daggers at each other. Sebastian sat calmly next to Scootaloo, having already ensured out of habit that everyone had refreshments.

Once the silence spells were in place, Scales opened the envelope and pulled out a sheaf of documents. He then began to read from the one on top. "I, Filthy Rich, being of sound mind and body, do hereby dictate my Living Will, with the assistance of my attorney Balanced Scales. He is fully aware of its entire contents, and is entrusted to act as executor of this Living Will should I be left alive but incapable of acting in my own interest, whether through accident or malfeasance. Those of you in this room are either aware of what I must discuss, or can be trusted to be made aware.

"The first disposition is regarding my wife, Spoiled Rich." Spoiled Rich visibly preened at this. "Attached to this are documents brought to my attention regarding her improper behavior with her station as head of the School Board, along with testimony from the hired help and Ponyville citizens regarding her systematic verbal abuse of my daughter, Diamond Tiara-"

"Abuse?" Applejack suddenly snarled out, shooting to her hooves as her glare towards Spoiled turned full on murderous. "Why I oughta-"

Her tirade was interrupted by an angry snort from Big Mac as he slowly stood up, turning his own glower Spoiled's way.

"Down, both o' ya!" Granny suddenly snapped out. "If Filthy knows now, he musta done somethin'. That's prob'ly what this here's all about."

As Applejack and Big Mac slowly sat down, Scootaloo tilted her head thoughtfully. This was...odd.

"If I may continue?" Scales spoke up firmly. Once he had everyone's attention, he continued. "Balanced Scales informs me that this, amongst other documents attached, will be more than enough to file divorce proceedings even without my input, as well as blocking any and all attempts on Spoiled's part to claim custody of my daughter. If it has not yet been under my directive, this is to be carried out immediately, at which point the pre-nup goes into effect. This is already on file, and a copy is attached here."

Spoiled stared in disbelief. "You...you can't be serious! He wouldn't dare-"

"Around this time, Spoiled is probably going into some sort of denial rant," Scales continued. "If she fails to keep herself under control, I request and authorize Sebastian to do whatever it takes to ensure she sits silent until the reading is done."

Sebastian smiled a frightening predator smile, his crimson eyes narrowed almost to slits, and slowly turned to face Spoiled. "Is there going to be a problem?" His tone was very urbane and polite, but everything about him seemed to beg Spoiled to say 'yes', just to give him an excuse.

Unfortunately for Sebastian, Spoiled's self-preservation instincts were strong enough to keep her in check, and she sat back down in silence.

Scales nodded his thanks, then continued. "If Diamond Tiara is of age to step up and run the family business, she is to be allowed to do so. She has talent, and is certain to do a good job until I either recover or the transfer of ownership become permanent. If she is not yet of age, then the Rich family personal assets are to be held in trust for her until she reaches her majority. This is to include the 'personal accounts' related to the Barnyard Bargains business, which will remain under the jurisdiction of the board of directors in the meantime. If she is still willing and capable, said trust is to be overseen by Granny Smith, and she may draw whatever salary she feels fair for the inconvenience, up to 5% gross annually." Scales turned to Granny Smith. "Are you willing to do this? There are other arrangements if you are not, but I'm not to read them unless you decline or are unavailable."

Granny Smith shrugged. "Got little better ta do with mah days than juggle numbers. Filthy was like family, and we Apples always look after our own." She turned a steely gaze towards Spoiled briefly, then turned back to Scales. "Go on, then. We can discuss that part later."

Nodding, Scales moved down to the next portion of the Living Will. "As for custody of Diamond Tiara...until she reaches her majority or I make a full recovery, the following disposition requires the revelation of the secret I mentioned earlier."

Scootaloo noticed Applejack, Big Mac, and Spoiled all instantly getting tense.

"She is to be reared by her biological mother, Applejack, alongside her twin sister Apple Bloom."

It was only the fact Scootaloo had been holding herself in the Sunrise mindset that kept her jaw from dropping. What? How is that even possible? They don't look at all alike! ...then again, Pound and Pumpkin are different tribes. Can't get much different than that, and Apple Bloom and Diamond have had completely different upbringings...

"I leave it to Applejack just how much of this reading is to be revealed to Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom, and how to handle this," Scales continued. "However, there is one last thing for Sebastian and those he works for to know." Sebastian and Scootaloo immediately turned their full attention to Scales. "I have reason to believe, no matter what the medical report says, that if this Living Will is enacted within the year of your tenure as Ponyville Elementary's substitute teacher...then it was no accident. Please, keep my daughters safe from whoever did this to me."

Scootaloo and Sebastian exchanged glances. It seemed they had a case here after all.

Chapter 26

As Balanced Scales closed up his suitcase, Scootaloo turned towards Sebastian, letting her eye shift between Applejack, Granny Smith, and Spoiled Rich. Sebastian smiled as he quickly deduced what it was Scootaloo wanted of him. She would need to go with Applejack to see Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara, and definitely couldn’t spill any secrets there. However, the investigation needed to begin immediately, and it seemed the best place to start would be inquiring of Granny Smith regarding the big revelation within the Living Will. It was once again time for them to take separate directions.

As the group started to move apart, Sebastian moved up to the Apples. “Big Macintosh, Applejack, might I be of assistance?” he offered gently. “I am sure it will be a great deal of effort helping Diamond Tiara to gather her things to move to the farm. If you would let me, I will escort Granny Smith back to the farm in the meantime to help prepare quarters for her?”

Applejack shot a suspicious expression Sebastian’s way. “What’s it to ya, anyway?”

“Scootaloo is under my care,” he explained simply, “and Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara are both her close friends...though the latter friendship is due to the changes Filthy Rich made since I met him, I understand. As I am certain Scootaloo will want to be there for her friends, I can assist elsewhere knowing she will be under your watchful eyes.”

Applejack frowned, plainly ready to object.

“Quite nice of ya,” Granny offered happily, getting to her hooves and grabbing her folded walker. “Think ya could fly me? Been many a year since a handsome fella carried me over a threshold.” She gave a wicked cackle and a playful wink.

Sebastian grinned at the scandalized expressions on Applejack and Big Mac’s faces. “It would be my honor to carry such a fair maiden home,” he agreed as he shifted Granny’s walker onto his back and lifted her in his forelegs before taking to the air.

Before they’d made half the distance, Granny’s eyes narrowed. “Now ah’m sure ya didn’ do all this just ta humor an old lady.”

“You’d be surprised,” Sebastian murmured softly. “...the shadow’s lies take six eyes.”

Granny snorted. “Thought so. No lies among the stars.”

Sebastian grinned. As he’d suspected that recognition phrase confirmed Granny as a retired agent of House Wingshadow, one who no longer went on active missions but was still a trusted source of local information. “Then you understand why Filthy Rich asked me to investigate what happened to him-”

“Who do ya think recruited him?” Granny interrupted as Sebastian set her down. “Now how’d ya spot me?”

“My vision is far more acute than that of ponies,” he explained softly. “In the same room as you and knowing what to look for...I saw the Warrior Mark...Miss Seed of Death.”

Granny’s hoof self-consciously went to the back of her neck, where a tiny tattoo was hidden under her white hair. An eye divided into six equal segments. This was a marking for the elite of Wingshadow assassins, those sent in solo to handle entire armies if need be. While all had been exceptionally good at their jobs, the nature of their missions meant few lived long enough to retire, or succeeded in evading enemies made during that time to reach Granny Smith’s age. “...did’na think anyone nowadays would know ta look...” Granny murmured thoughtfully. “I’m a little creaky...but ah’m pretty sure ah could still handle meself if it’s needed.”

“All I need from you is information,” Sebastian offered gently. “Specifically...how it happened? Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara, I mean.”

Granny frowned, gently twisting the handle of her walker. “...why?”

“Filthy would not have shared the secret without reason,” Sebastian explained. “If he wanted me to learn it, he must have believed a connection between it and his need for a Living Will. It is a connection I need to investigate.”

Granny sighed as she trumped towards the cider cellar. “Come along, then. Ah ain’t discussing that in the open.”

Nodding, Sebastian followed Granny into the cider cellar, taking a seat as she poured herself a mug. He waited patiently for her to be ready to speak.

After taking a drink, Granny closed her eyes, sifting back into her memories. “Shortly after AJ’s 18th birthday, it was just me, Big Mac, and AJ here on the farm. Their parents were officially on vacation...but in family, we knew they were ill, dying. So when I wasn’t able ta run things anymore, one o’ the kids would have ta take over...and AJ and Big Mac had strong opinions as far as who, and were hidin’ their own feelings about their folks by fightin’ about it. AJ wound up makin’ some business promises ta Filthy Rich - who was engaged ta Spoiled Milk - ta try and make herself out ta be a good candidate, only ta learn she couldn’t carry ‘em out. She tried ta retract ‘em, but Filthy put some pressure, and AJ tried ta cover herself with a lie...which spiraled inta lots o’ lies.

“Once it was hashed out, and I’d read all three o them the riot act, Filthy came over ta make right with AJ.” Granny stared at the ceiling as she took another drink. “Now, Filthy’s the right honorable sort...but the engagement ta Spoiled Milk was arranged by his family. He never had no love fer that mare. And he and AJ had always been on friendly terms, though neither wanted more. But AJ was apologizin’ fer lyin’, Filthy was apologizin’ fer playin’ rough business like, AJ offered some cider ta smooth things over...but she grabbed the wrong batch. ‘Stead of gettin’ fresh, she grabbed agin’ cider.”

Sebastian nodded in understanding. “And that’s how Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara were conceived?”

“Right where yer sittin!” Granny cackled as that made Sebastian leap out of his seat. “Gotcha! The look on yer face!”

Sebastian glowered at her for a time, then took a different seat.

Once Granny had her amusement under control, she continued. “Now, neither o’ them wanted it ta be anythang more than one night - heck, neither wanted ta admit it had even happened, both fer their own lives and their friendship, what with Filthy bein’ 8 years her senior - so they went their separate ways and just were awkward fer a while...till AJ started throwin’ up in the mornin’. Well, ah got answers out o’ her, and we called in Filthy and Spoiled.

“When Filthy learned, he wanted ta do the right thing, but that just t’weren’t an option. The scandal’d destroy all o’ us, and Ponyville would’a suffered too. But at the same time, AJ weren’t ready ta be a mother, and a friend o’ mine from nearby had confirmed she had twins. So...we made an agreement. Filthy and Spoiled would speed up the weddin, and go on a long honeymoon outa sight. Applejack would go off ta visit her folks...in the same place. When the foals were born, one would come back ta the farm ta be raised as Applejack’s little sister. Th’ other would be raised by Filthy and Spoiled as their daughter.”

“How did you get Spoiled to agree to that?” Sebastian asked curiously.

“Big Mac told her if she did anything to threaten the foals, he’d feed her her own spine,” Granny responded firmly. “And ah actually know how ta do that to a pony, so she took it seriously. ...but she got her petty vengeance. Filthy couldn’t face what he’d done ta AJ - her folks died on that trip, ashamed o’ her fer what happened to her - so he started spendin’ more and more time away from Ponyville...and Spoiled shaped Diamond ta be her little girl, siccing her on her own sister.”

“And now she has nothing,” Sebastian mused thoughtfully, “and due to her own actions at that. If she hadn’t sicced Filthy on me to try and ‘get even’ for not being able to intimidate me herself...”

Granny chuckled softly. “Imagine that. Talk about karma.” Setting down her empty mug, she made for the stairs. “Now come on, we still gotta find that right room.”

Chapter 27

While Sebastian helped Granny Smith back to the farm, Scootaloo went with Applejack and Big Mac to get Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara...and likely Sweetie Belle and Silver Spoon. As they made their way there, Scootaloo noticed Applejack glance towards her several times, open her mouth, only to bite her lower lip and turn away, seeming ashamed of herself. "Just say it already," Scootaloo finally insisted. "It'll drive you nuts if you don't. It's about what I learned, right?"

Applejack nodded. "It's just...well..." She shook her head. "Aw, shoot! It's been bad enough keepin' it secret all these years, but it was fer their own good ah thought. And now I'm askin' their friend ta keep secrets from them...it just don' feel right."

Scootaloo shrugged. "Filthy Rich left it to you what to tell them," Scootaloo concluded simply. "I'll respect that. I'll leave it to you when, what, and how much to tell them...and if they press me for details, I'll just point them your way. It's your job to handle them now, anyway."

Applejack smiled but lowered her head, looking torn between relieved and ashamed. "Thanks, Scoot."

Big Mac said nothing, but he glanced curiously at Scootaloo. He plainly suspected there was more to the filly than he'd ever looked for before, and wasn't certain what to think.

Fortunately for Scootaloo, the large stallion was unable to voice his inquiries before they reached Diamond Tiara's room, where the fillies were waiting. Much as could be expected, Diamond metaphorically pounced the moment they entered the room. "What's going on?" she demanded insistently. "Why wasn't I there for the reading? What's going to happen to me now? Did Daddy's lawyer have any ideas about why Daddy got hurt? Why wouldn't he-"

Applejack gently placed a hoof to Diamond's muzzle, silencing her. "Whoa there, sugarcube," she said softly, her voice full of understanding and affection, her gaze expertly hiding pain to all but Scootaloo...who knew how to wear that mask herself. "It's nothin' too complicated. Yer Pa just knew that if somethin' like this happened while ye were still this young, it'd be painful enough without bein' involved in all the legal nonsense, so he wanted ta spare ya it. Ah can tell ya what came of it."

Diamond Tiara sat down, her face plainly showing she wasn't entirely satisfied with this answer but was willing to accept it. "Alright," she responded softly. "So...so what happens now? Daddy seemed to be...trying to keep me away from...from her. And...and I don't want to go back to the way things were before-"

"Ya won't have ta," Applejack reassured her quickly. "Filthy asked me ta look after ya until he recovers, or until ya can look after yerself. How's that sound?"

Diamond's eyes went wide. "You mean...I'll be leaving the house?" she asked softly. "Not...not staying with...with her?"

"Well, at least fer a couple weeks," Applejack told her. "Spoiled's not gonna be around ya at all, with what Filthy's done. He worked hard ta ensure ya were safe from her." She gently stroked Diamond's mane. "And while ah see no reason ya can't come back ta livin' here after a few weeks if that's what ya want, ya shouldn't be alone till then. We'll look after ya on the farm, till yer ready."

Scootaloo watched on in silence. All of this could easily be taken as Applejack's naturally compassionate, affectionate nature as she offered comfort to a filly who desperately needed it, a friend of the family. But knowing what she did, Scootaloo could see the truth. For the first time in years, Applejack was able to give comfort and kindness to her daughter, the one who had been torn from her for her sake, now known to have been left in a terrible situation only recently being corrected. And when Diamond Tiara felt the motherly comfort she'd never truly felt in her life and threw herself into Applejack's embrace in response, it was all Scootaloo could do not to weep openly from the pain she knew Applejack had to be feeling.

"To do right for others, whatever the cost," she thought to herself, remembering her father's words from so long ago. "That is Duty. Never forget, this is what we owe to those our wings shield." She blinked her eye to keep tears from forming. So this is what Dad meant...

Turning, she noticed Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had their eyes locked on her while Silver was watching Diamond. "Ya know somethin," Apple Bloom stated firmly.

"Ask Applejack," Scootaloo answered flatly. "If it's not something you should hear from her when the time is right...then it's my 'family business'." She hoped the cryptic half answer would get the pair off her back. She hated lying to them, even by omission. As much as she wanted to keep them out of what she had to do, it had still felt so good to finally tell them...

"You and Sebastian are investigating what happened to Mr. Rich," Sweetie Belle deduced. "Can we help?"

"You can help by keeping an eye on Diamond Tiara," Scootaloo answered quietly. "Mr. Rich seemed to think this might have had something to do with her, and you know how strong willed she is. We'll be able to investigate easier if we don't have to worry about where the rest of you are."

The pair of girls nodded, quickly moving to where Applejack and Diamond Tiara still stood.

Scootaloo sighed to herself. Her mind raced, going over possibility after possibility as she attempted to deduce possible motives for what had happened, weighing Filthy's deductions against her own observations and Sebastian's cryptic half-clues. As hard as she tried, she couldn't quite make sense of it. The only thing she could conclude from it all was that she didn't have enough information. She needed to investigate-

No, she interrupted her own thought process. What I need to do first is help my friend. When she's safe, then I can meet with Sebastian and investigate.

Duty. That was what it meant to be Noble, to be Wingshadow. And she would not fail.

Chapter 28

It didn't take long to get all the things Diamond needed for a protracted stay on the farm packed up. From the looks of things, Diamond had been packing while the Will was being read, fully intent on leaving whatever the outcome...even if it was only to a friend's house to get away from Spoiled Rich. While Applejack watched over the girls as they packed up the rest, Big Mac returned to the farm to bring back a wagon to carry it all, along with stopping off at each of the other fillies' houses for what they needed for a sleepover. The older siblings hadn't needed to talk to decide the girls needed to be together tonight.

It was a good thing Sebastian had finished helping Granny pick a sleeping place for Diamond by the time Big Mac went for the wagon, as between five fillies, several suitcases, and three sets of overnight gear, it took a professional eye to arrange it all without risking an accidental damage to something or someone important, no matter how easily Big Mac could pull the weight. As a result, everything was gathered and brought to the farm without incident.

While Diamond would officially be staying in the guest room just down the hall from Apple Bloom's room, tonight Apple Bloom would be hosting the group sleepover and Granny, Applejack, and Big Mac were fully expecting to turn a blind eye to Diamond curling up on Apple Bloom's bed with her for at least the first few days of her stay. The girls then settled in for a few fun sleepover games while Diamond tried to press Scootaloo for extra details. Scootaloo steadfastly refused to discuss anything regarding what happened to Filthy, determined to keep Diamond Tiara from getting caught up in it.

When Sebastian brought in some late night sweets he'd made himself, Diamond tried one last gambit on him. "Is there anything I can do to help find out what happened to Daddy?" she pleaded. "I know a lot about what was happening in the house before it happened. Maybe some of that is significant?"

Sebastian tilted his head thoughtfully. "...out of idle curiosity, had Spoiled hired on anyone new recently? I intend to question the entire staff, and I only have access to Filthy's records..."

Diamond's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Scootaloo read her like a book. She knew Sebastian was specifically investigating Spoiled. She also knew that if she made that well known, she'd be completely stonewalled and learn nothing, and pursuing this question on her own could lead her to a dead end. Scootaloo grinned as Diamond took the only logical course. "She hired a Pegasus valet recently," she explained softly. "At least, that's what she said. Considering how often they met privately for 'important discussions', I think she just wanted to flesh out her paddock."

Sebastian smiled idly at the oddity of pony expressions. "Can you describe him?" he asked gently. "If Spoiled is no longer keeping him, it might be difficult to track him down."

"He has a red coat and green eyes," Diamond responded readily. "A scraggly red mane and tail, long and kinda looks spiky. More a mare hairstyle than a stallion one, to be honest. Wears red glasses, and this red coat he seems super fond of that doesn't really look good on him." She tapped her chin as she focused her memory. "His Cutie Mark is a broken film reel."

Scootaloo had been watching Sebastian carefully. While his face revealed nothing, he had yet to learn to control his tail. Scootaloo made good use of that to see the hidden state of his mind. As Diamond had begun describing the stallion, Sebastian's tail had begun to sway far more intensely than normal. At the mention of the Cutie Mark, it had lashed like a whip. "What name should I look for?" he asked calmly.

Diamond giggled softly. "Grey Shuttlecock is the one he gave when I asked," Diamond responded gaily. "Given how he hesitated, it's obviously a pseudonym of some sort. He started to say something else until she glared at him. Grill something, I think."

Sebastian's tail went absolutely still at that name, his entire hindquarters tensing under his fur. Scootaloo's eyes narrowed. Sebastian knew something, and it was not something good.

Sebastian turned to Scootaloo. "Would you like me to help clear around your eye tonight?" he asked gently, obliquely indicating her eyepatch.

Scootaloo nodded. "Okay." She turned to the others. "Be back in a sec, girls." Without giving them a chance to respond, she rushed out of the room with Sebastian.

As they made their way to the front door, Scootaloo whispered, "I give us maybe two minutes before the girls' curiosity overwhelms my instruction to keep Diamond out of danger. Can you cast magic?"

Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise. He had not expected that inquiry. "I know a few simple cantrips I can utilize in this form," he murmured back. "As powerful as the contract behind them-"

"Sleep and ward spells on the entire building the moment we clear the door," Scootaloo snapped back quietly. "That's an order."

Sebastian nodded as they stepped out. "Yes, my lady." He placed one claw against the door jamb. Black energy spilled out to slide all around the building until it was completely covered, the energy invisible in the night under the moon. As soon as the house was completely covered, the energy vanished. Yawns could be heard from inside, followed by snores.

A single light remained on, illuminating Granny Smith as she stared out the window, a cane clutched in her hooves. "I suppose I shouldn't have expected one known as 'The Seed of Death' to be affected by simple magic, however powerful," Sebastian murmured softly as he saw that.

"She'll keep a lookout," Scootaloo stated flatly. "Now find Spoiled Milk so we can deal with your old friend." She didn't bother to hide her grin when Sebastian spun to stare at her. She would never explain how his tail gave him away.

"...yes, my lady," Sebastian replied at last before placing Scootaloo on his back. With that, he took wing to fly over Ponyville, seeking his target.

Chapter 29

Before long, Sebastian's flight took the pair close to the edge of Ponyville. There, they saw a most unusual pair. Spoiled Milk stood in naught but her sweater - all jewelry gone - as she ranted and raved at the pegasus Diamond Tiara had described. Swooping in silently, Sebastian settled atop a nearby tree where the entire tableau was visible to him and audible to himself and his passenger.

"This is all your fault!" Spoiled shouted out angrily.

"I'm terribly sorry-" the stallion began in an obsequiously fawning tone.

"Oh cut the fake servant act!" Spoiled snapped irritably. "I already know better, there's no one around to fool, and it's getting annoying."

The stallion ceased his cringing and servile behavior, standing upright and looking down his nose at Spoiled. "You should mind your tongue," he chided in a much stronger voice with hints of playfulness in the tone. "Remember who you're speaking to."

"I'm speaking to an incompetent who claimed to be a Reaper!" Spoiled snarled. Sebastian tensed in response, Scootaloo craning forward in interest as he did. "An incompetent who couldn't even kill my husband properly!"

"It's hardly my fault I don't know how to hold my beautiful scythe with hooves I've never had before!" the stallion countered in an aloof, offended tone. He waved one hoof dismissively. "Given how clumsy these are, you're lucky I even managed to wound him...not that his death would have done you any good-"

"A last will could have been contested in court if he hadn't filed the divorce proceedings while alive!" Spoiled snapped back. "But a living will doesn't present that option! Because of your ineptitude, I've lost everything and have no legal means to get it back!"

"And what do you expect me to do about it?" the pegasus taunted cruelly. "You certainly can't take it out on moi."

"No, but you can help me fix it!" Spoiled snarled. "Starting with that blasted lawyer! Kill him, read his record, get his papers, and we can change the Last Will enough to nix the Living Will completely...especially if that blasted Applejack just so happens to kick the bucket, too!"

"You really think you can get away with that?" the 'Reaper' questioned darkly.

"I have a Reaper in my pocket!" Spoiled snapped out. "Who's going to stop me?"

"That would be us," Scootaloo spoke up coldly, nudging Sebastian with one hoof. He immediately flew down to land before the pair, letting Scootaloo step off his back.

Spoiled rounded on the pair. "You!" she spat with venom dripping from her voice. "I don't know what your involvement in this is you flightless brat, but-"

"On my authority as Head of House Wingshadow, and on the evidence presented to me, I find you guilty of conspiracy to commit multiple murders, including that of your ex-husband, Filthy Rich," Scootaloo declared in her Noble voice, letting it echo and reverberate through the field. She enjoyed watching Spoiled's face fall off as she pulled out her family crest. "You are granted no plea, no rights, no representation. The judgement of the Shadows is swift and final. Sebastian!"

"Yes, My Lady?" Sebastian responded immediately.

"Sebas-chan!" the stallion squealed eagerly. "My, my, you do look quite handsome as a griffon! All black is truly a good look for you..." He fluttered long eyelashes Sebastian's way. "Though it could do with some red..." Reaching into his wings, he pulled a crimson chainsaw out and licked the blade.

"...Grell Sutcliff," Sebastian groaned, not liking having this particular suspicion confirmed.

"What are you playing at!" Spoiled shouted angrily. "They're going to kill me! Protect me you idio-"

"Oh, do shut up!" Grell snapped out angrily, revving his chainsaw to life and swinging it. However, his grip was somewhat clumsy. Rather than a lethal strike as he probably intended, the strike took Spoiled in the mouth, damaging teeth and tongue and sending her flying away. "I finally found my dear Sebas-chan, and I will not let you get in the way."

"So why are you involved in all this?" Scootaloo asked flatly. "How did a mare like her get the assistance of a Grim Reaper?"

Grell chuckled darkly. "Why, I was simply passing through this part of the multiverse in search of my sweet Sebas-chan, and heard her complaining about a pure black griffon by that name!" he purred wickedly. "I sensed a demonic contract in effect somewhere, and I thought there was a chance it was him! So I tagged along and did her dirty work, to see if it would lead me to him...and so it did."

Scootaloo groaned irritably. "Is he always like this?" she demanded of Sebastian.

Before Sebastian could respond, Grell snorted disdainfully. "'He'? Of all the nerve!" His voice took on tragic overtones. "Just because I was cursed with the wrong gender when I came into existence is no need for you to deride this beautiful woman just waiting to flower dazzlingly-"

"Then why didn't you apply for the Gender Reassignment Spell this Friday with the Princesses?" Scootaloo asked flatly. "That particular spell's been on record for five centuries, though it takes alicorn magic to permanently alter that fundamental aspect of a morphogenetic field, so the Princesses make a day available every third Friday of each month for anyone who needs it because their minds and bodies are fundamentally different genders. There's even spells to check for that, though they were originally developed to detect the effects of brain washing."

Grell stared at Scootaloo, completely slackjawed. "You...you have that here?"

Scootaloo glowered angrily. "Not for you anymore. Sebastian! This is an order! Feed him his own wings, then shove that 'scythe' of his up his plot blade first!"

Sebastian and Grell both blanched. "His...plot?" Sebastian inquired in confusion.

"The other hole that's spouting nothing but horseapples!" Scootaloo snapped back.

Sebastian grinned viciously. "Yes, My Lady!" he purred before moving into a battle stance.

Grell feigned a tragic air. "Ah! Once again, my love, we are doomed to fight! As Reaper and Demon, we are forever doomed to be on opposite sides-" His attempt at a dramatic pose was flawed as he fumbled with his scythe. "Uh...can you give me a minute to get better acquainted with hooves?" he asked hopefully.

Sebastian's grin widened as he flexed his talons. "I'm afraid not," he purred wickedly. "I am...under orders." He lunged forward.

Somewhere in reality, a tall human with short, neatly combed brown hair, yellow-green eyes, rectangular spectacles and wearing a dark suit worked calmly with a pruner to trim a particularly stubborn tree. He was distracted from his work by a whimper of pain.

Sebastian smiled up at the man. "I believe you misplaced this, William," he purred softly before dumping Grell at his feet and vanishing.

William T. Spears looked down at the de-winged Pegasus choking on his own feathers and bones...then winced as he heard the revving of the scythe and saw its location. "...what have you gotten into this time, Grell?" he growled irritably.

Grell could only whimper in agony.

Spoiled, as it turned out, survived the strike from the Scythe. However, its magic had affected hers, permanently robbing her of her ability to speak, a damage no Equestrian magic could repair as it was forced upon her with the magic of death. As such, Scootaloo decided she was to be locked up for life under the Wingshadow authority, granting her no appeal, possibility of parole, or visitors. In thirty years time, she would undergo psychological testing to determine if she could be reintegrated into Equestrian society.

With that done and Spoiled handed over to the Guards to carry out the sentence, Scootaloo and Sebastian made their way back towards Sweet Apple Acres. "...Sebastian?" Scootaloo asked curiously.

"Yes, my lady?" Sebastian inquired diffidently.

"Was...was it really necessary to tie his tail around the handle to lock the chain in the 'run' position?"

Sebastian chuckled wickedly to himself. "Did I indulge too much, My Lady?"

Author's Note

The events of this chapter in no way reflect my opinion of any real world issues it may bear some similarity to. It's just my attempt at world building and comedy.

Chapter 30

As Scootaloo and Sebastian returned to Sweet Apple Acres, Granny Smith met them at the door to the house. "Ye get th' bastard that hurt Filthy?" she asked simply.

Scootaloo nodded softly. "And the bitch pulling his strings," she confirmed, keeping her voice low.

Granny's grip on her cane tightened, the wood shifting just enough that a glint of blessed steel could be seen within before she closed it up again. "She gonna be gettin' up agin?"

"Up, perhaps," Sebastian allowed, staring at the cane a trifle nervously. Ripping the Reaper's Scythe from Grell's grip had been one thing, since the 'ordained mission' of House Wingshadow - since most of Equestria saw Celestia and Luna as gods - granted him protection from sacred forces from other sources so long as he was bound in service to a Wingshadow. A weapon blessed by Celestia specifically against forces of darkness, however, would still cause him great harm...possibly even to his true self. Somehow, he didn't think Granny Smith was kindly disposed towards him. "Out, never," he concluded calmly.

Granny nodded firmly as she relaxed. She then turned to Scootaloo. "And how are ye caught up in all this?" she asked firmly.

"In the shadows I watch," Scootaloo responded simply, using code to identify herself as an undercover member of the actual bloodline.

Granny's eyes widened in shock. "Maker take us, ye poor girl..." Setting her cane aside, she pulled Scootaloo into a warm, comforting, motherly embrace.

Scootaloo accepted the comfort, but she would not allow herself to cry. She'd promised herself that she would shed no tear until the one responsible for what happened to her parents was firmly in the grave, and she intended to keep that promise. Still, the hug was nice.

After a time, Granny pulled back with a soft chuckle. "Yer line always did breed tough," she observed, affectionately mussing her mane. She jerked her head towards Sebastian. "Ye know what he is, right?"

Scootaloo's eyebrow raised. "Do you?" she asked carefully.

"Dealt with his ilk a few times," Granny allowed. "Trick is knowin' just where and when ta strike." She gave Sebastian an appraisin' glance. "If'n he's your servant, make sure he guards th' inside o' his shoulder after a close swipe. One thrust right there before he can recover..." She chuckled wickedly at Sebastian's shocked expression.

"Seed of Death indeed," Scootaloo murmured in awe. "No wonder you're still alive."

Granny let out a wicked cackle as she picked up her cane...which on closer inspection was more a walking staff, as it was perfectly symmetrical. "If'n ya see ol' Suit, tell him he's welcome ta try and take me afore ah'm ready anytime." Flipping the staff over, she pulled the other end up, revealing a blade glowing with dark energy, shaped to counter agents of the divine such as Reapers or angels. "Mebe next time ah'll give him a scar."

Sebastian was not the sort to laugh aloud, but he did grin widely as Granny sheathed the blade once more. "A pity you did not tell me earlier. I could have delivered the message when I returned 'the bastard' to those he was supposed to be working for."

Granny's eyes narrowed. "Red fella?" When she received a confirming nod, she spat a vile oath in a dead language that nearly made Sebastian blush. "Shoulda known when ah saw him skulkin' around...basturd..."

Scootaloo sighed as she let herself relax. "Well, that's dealt with. I suppose that means my official business in Ponyville is concluded..." She glanced up to where her friends were still held in the grip of the sleep spell. "I'll...probably have to say goodbye..."

"Wait a week or so," Granny suggested. "Diamond's gonna need some help adjustin', and knowin' the case about her Pa is closed oughta go a long way. Sides, 'till she's completely settled, yer job ain't done, is it?"

Scootaloo smiled softly and nodded. "In that case, I'll go join them. It's time for bed anyway."

"Next time ye cast spells on me home without permission, I'll tan yer hide. Both o' ye."

Scootaloo chuckled nervously as she quickly raced out of the room.

She slowed down as she approached the room, seeing the door hanging open and the girls all slumped in a heap on a pile of pillows and blankets, snoring away, Diamond's namesake tiara still resting in her curls and glittering in the low light. She smiled to herself at the sight, enjoying looking in on the peaceful, innocent moment.

She felt her heart quail as she realized a stark truth about her situation. This is what she would always be, outside looking in. She could pretend to belong with them, pretend to be as innocent as they...but beneath the surface, her thoughts would always be on her Duty, on the world she had to serve, to protect. She could never truly belong amongst them, no matter how much she - and they - tried. She could only ever be a visitor in their world...and it was unthinkable to even consider bringing them into hers.

Sighing softly to herself, she slipped silently into the pile to join them, only for Diamond Tiara to roll over and get her in a headlock. "Thought you could knock us out and slip off, huh?" she whispered fiercely in her ear.

"Wha?" Scootaloo gasped out in confusion. "How are you still awake?"

"Puh-leaze!" Diamond snapped out, tapping her tiara. "This isn't just fashionable. Daddy got the best protection spells money can buy embedded in every gem and the very shaping of the metal. That was a powerful sleep spell, but it was still just a simple cantrip. The only reason I didn't take off after you is because Granny Smith was still awake. But now I want details!"

Scootaloo struggled to get free. "Diamond, just like I told Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, there are some things I won't say-"

"Buck the secrecy, just tell me it wasn't my fault!"

Scootaloo froze, then slowly turned to face Diamond Tiara, seeing unshed tears in her eyes. "...what?"

"It...it wasn't her, was it?" Diamond pleaded. "Tell me she didn't do that to Daddy to get back control of me because I wasn't listening to her anymore...please..."

Scootaloo looked Diamond straight in the eye...and knew she couldn't lie to her. She pulled Diamond into a comforting hug. "I'm sorry..."

Diamond's eyes quivered...and then she buried her face in Scootaloo's mane, sobbing bitterly.

Chapter 31

Scootaloo didn't sleep that night. This wouldn't overly affect her, as she'd discovered she could easily go several nights without sleep if needed since she took over the family business. However, the emotional toll would be another story. She had spent the next hour holding Diamond Tiara as she cried herself to sleep, and the rest of the night into pre-dawn trying to figure out how she could explain things to the pink filly so she wouldn't blame herself without giving away any secrets she had promised to keep. Despite all her efforts, she couldn't think of one on her own.

As she saw pre-dawn light starting to fill the window, she decided to try something different. If keeping Diamond Tiara from blaming herself was impossible, then the goal should instead be helping her move past it. That she was pretty certain she had a way to do. The first step would be talking her around, getting her to see that wallowing in self-recrimination would do no good. After that, she would need some way to keep her pleasantly distracted during the day so she'd enjoy herself, helping her to forget her guilt long enough to let go of it. For the latter, she would need some help. She made a mental note to ask the girls, Sebastian, and maybe even Granny Smith for help coming up with a way to do that, assuming that didn't take care of itself.

As she reached this conclusion, she saw Diamond starting to stir. "Never pegged you for an early riser," she whispered so as not to wake the others. "The rooster's not even up yet."

"...didn't really sleep well," Diamond admitted sadly. "I..." She then blinked, noticing how wakeful Scootaloo seemed. "Didn't you sleep?"

"Spent the whole night thinking," Scootaloo answered readily. "Diamond, listen...I'm not going to lie to you. Spoiled didn't care about you to begin with. She wasn't doing what she did to get control of you. She did it to get control of your Dad's estate so she could continue enjoying 'her place' in the social order. You were just a pawn to her in that. You shouldn't blame yourself for what she did. It was Filthy Rich who made the decision to act to protect you from her. And with what I heard from the Will reading, your Dad was willing to do whatever it took, make any sacrifice, if it meant taking care of and protecting you." She leaned down close to Diamond Tiara. "So...do him proud. Live the life he wanted for you...so when he wakes up, he can be proud."

Diamond Tiara stared up at Scootaloo, her eyes flat. "...you're really not that good at the whole motivational speech thing, are you?"

Scootaloo chuckled nervously. "Not really..." she admitted sheepishly.

Diamond managed a smile. "I...appreciate the effort, and the sentiment." She turned to stare out the window as the sun started to touch the horizon. "I...guess I can try..."

"All anyone can ask," Scootaloo told her gently.

As the day dawned bright and clear, Diamond seemed determined to unlearn every bad lesson Spoiled had tried to ingrain in her brain. She praised the food Granny Smith prepared for everypony, calling it 'simply delicious' as she devoured three helpings. She raced to help Apple Bloom with her chores alongside the other fillies, heedless of the mess it made of her coat and mane, only making sure to keep her tiara in place and clean. And when it came time to play, she cast caution to the winds as she leapt headlong into every activity the group could come up with. However, it quickly became plain to Scootaloo that she was doing her best to distract herself so as to not think about things, and she was quickly running out of things to distract herself with.

Much to her surprise, a distraction arrived in the form of a gilded pegasus-drawn chariot bearing the House of Blue coat of arms coming in for a landing practically right in front of the group. The door swung open, and Bluebottle leapt out with a spring in his step, bouncing eagerly from hoof to hoof as he rushed up to the group. "Sunrise!" he called out eagerly. "Sunrise, look!"

Scootaloo winced at that, uncertain how she'd explain the name to Diamond Tiara. However, when she caught sight of what Bluebottle was trying to show her, all thoughts of irritation fled. Emblazoned on Bluebottle's flank was a sword crossed with a staff. "Bluebottle, you got your Cutie Mark!" she squealed out eagerly, rushing up and glomping onto him.

Bluebottle returned the embrace as the others cheered excitedly. Eventually, it was Sweetie Belle who managed to get a question in. "So what does it mean?" she asked eagerly. "What's your talent?"

Bluebottle grinned widely as he stepped back. "Well, I was talking to my brother about you, Sunrise," Bluebottle began, making Scootaloo facehoof. "And how dangerous your life will be now that you're running your 'family business', and I thought about how much I wanted to be there with you to help you..." Bluebottle's horn glowed, a crystal blue aura that shimmered with sparks of silver. In the air around him, blade of pure magical energy solidified, moving around him in a circle as they parried, thrust, and riposted in alternating sequence. "I discovered I have a natural talent with magical blades!" he declared eagerly.

All five fillies 'wow'ed as they watched the magical blades dance around him in a defensive perimeter. "That's amazing..." Apple Bloom murmured in awe.

"And you rushed down to tell me once you learned I was here?" Scootaloo asked wryly, not that she could blame him.

"That too," Bluebottle confirmed as the swords faded as he released his magic. "I also wanted to host my cute cenera here in Ponyville, since all my friends are here." He turned towards Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. "Wow, Sunrise. Your new friends really clean up pretty."

Diamond Tiara glanced at herself and Silver Spoon. Mud splattered, bedraggled, messy manes and tails, no makeup, Silver Spoon without her usual pearl necklace... "...what?" she asked flatly.

"You both are really pretty when you don't look like over-painted china dolls," Bluebottle confirmed. Without waiting for an answer, he turned back to Scootaloo. "Of course, there's another reason I'm here."

"Oh?" Scootaloo asked curiously.

"Since I have a natural talent with magic swords, Blueblood told me he'd heard tale of a legendary master of the blade living somewhere in town," Bluebottle explained eagerly. "Ancient and wise, and skilled enough with the blade to cut down Death itself! So I'm going to find them and ask them to teach me the ways of the blade so I can be a better help to you in your work!"

"You know who you're looking for, then?" Sweetie Belle inquired excitedly.

"Nope!" Bluebottle proclaimed determinedly. "But I figure if I go up to everyone in town above the age of 60 and challenge them to a sword fight, whichever one kicks my flank must be them!" He grinned proudly as all five fillies facehoofed simultaneously.

Chapter 32

Scootaloo took a deep breath, turning the situation over in her mind as she tried to figure out how best she could explain to her sweet, lovable, idiotic fiance exactly how bad an idea it was to go around Ponyville challenging the senior citizens to sword fights as a way to find the blade master without giving away the fact that the blade master he was searching for was right up in the house. It wasn't her place to say that anyway. If Granny wanted to give that information, that was up to her.

"What's all that racket?" Granny suddenly called out, stumping up to the group. She then snorted at the sight of Bluebottle. "Who's the colt?" she demanded of Apple Bloom. "How come he's wearin' one a yer capes?"

"This is Bluebottle," Scootaloo spoke up to introduce him. "My...fiance." She saw Granny's eyes flicker in recognition. "He's our first Canterlot member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders...though he's gotten his Cutie Mark now."

Granny nodded firmly. "Magic swords, eh?" she asked as she let her eyes rove over Bluebottle's Cutie Mark and the magic swords he was projecting.

"Verily!" Bluebottle proclaimed dramatically. "And on my elder brother's advice, I am in search of a legendary blade master here in town...and will challenge anyone who might be them to a sword duel, that the one who can defeat me needs must be the master!" Turning to Granny, he dispelled most of the magic swords, leaving only one exceptionally well defined one between himself and the old mare. "And I shall begin with you, if I may! Do you take up my-"

Before anyone could react, Granny lashed out with the tip of her cane, striking the magic sword right at the crosspiece and twisting. The magic weave flexed and unraveled, causing Bluebottle to wince in pain as the spell fed back through his own horn due to the twist Granny had forced into it. "Cutie Mark spells are double edged swords," Granny explained flatly as she once more set her cane on the ground. "Ya get more power in the spell cause ya can put more of yerself into it...but th' feedback of a broken spell shoots straight ta yer core as a result. If'n ya don't learn control and ways ta deal, ya make yerself more vulnerable with every cast."

Bluebottle dispelled the broken weave before taking a few breaths as the fillies watched in awe. Focusing, he once more shaped the magic sword, though it didn't have as much energy in it as before. He was plainly trying to not put as much magic into it as last time. He slowly focused until the sword gave every appearance of solidity, despite being pure magic.

"How come ya gave it a hilt?" Granny asked flatly.

"Swords have hilts!" Bluebottle stated firmly.

"Why?" Granny coached.

"To...give a place to hold it without cutting yourself-"

"Ya gonna hold that sword in yer hoof ta fight me?" Granny asked derisively with a bark of laughter.

Bluebottle blinked in surprise...and then grinned. The sword faded almost completely out of existence, and a seeming flash of light lashed towards Granny.

Granny Smith dismissively blocked the thrust with her hoof, no mark appearing there. "Thrust with a cutlass, yer askin' fer a whuppin'. Good thinkin' with only makin' the cuttin' edge to conserve magic and hide the strike."

Bluebottle stared in shock. "But...the blade-"

"Cutlass' got a curved blade cause it's made for slashin' strikes," Granny stated flatly. "Rapier's got a point cause it's made ta thrust. Epee's wiggle cause they're made to slip past defendin' blades. Broadsword's heavy ta cleave through armor. Every type a sword is purpose made for a specific type o' fightin' style. Use the wrong sword fer the wrong strike, ya leave yerself open." To prove her point, she lashed out and jabbed Bluebottle on the inside of one knee with the tip of her cane, making him briefly fold to the ground. "Ya got magic swords. Magic follows thought. So think."

Bluebottle slowly got to his feet, taking a few breaths to steady himself. He then grinned widely as his horn glowed.

Granny's cane spun in a blur, deflecting a series of slashing cuts before shifting to catch a dozen thrusts with the head. Granny then spun as epee strikes tried to find holes in her defense before hurling her cane. It corkscrewed through the air to strike Bluebottle right at the base of his horn, sending him to the ground as the cane flipped through the air back into Granny's grip. "Swords aren't just fer attackin'," she explained as she watched Bluebottle shake his head, trying to clear it of the daze of the impact. "If ya put everythang into attackin', ya leave yerself wide open for a counter attack. Yer about a century too early fer me ta accept yer challenge..." She glanced at Scootaloo as the pegasus rushed to her fiance's side in concern. "But yer gonna get involved in her business no matter what she says, so it's better ya know what yer doin'. Yer brother comin' ta yer Cute Cenera?"

Bluebottle nodded quickly, though he clutched at the base of his horn as he did so. "Yes! He said he wouldn't miss it for the world, no matter where it is!"

"Then he can talk ta me there about mah fee fer your lessons," Granny stated firmly. "Fer now, ah got an old 'friend' ta meet up with in town." With that, she turned and hobbled off towards town.

As Scootaloo helped Bluebottle recover his senses, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Sweetie Belle turned towards Apple Bloom. "Your Granny is so cool!" Diamond squeed out, her sentiment echoed by the other two.

"Ah know, right?" Apple Bloom squealed right back. "Where did she learn ta do all that?"

Scootaloo decided not to say anything. If Granny wanted to tell those stories - unlikely - that was up to her.

It didn't take long for Granny to reach the only bar in Ponyville. It was close to the edge of town that bumped up against the Acres, and it always kept a table open for her and anyone she wanted to drink with. She was served a bottle of her farm's own cider while she waited calmly for the one she knew would be here before too long. There was a certain 'understanding' between them.

As she expected, before long the doors swung open to admit a rather unassuming looking stallion. Green coat, yellow-green eyes, neatly combed dark brown mane and tail, rectangular glasses, broken hourglass Cutie Mark, and a sharp suit. He made his way calmly over to Granny's table and sat opposite her.

"Here fer another scar, 'Suit'?" Granny asked flatly, her hoof on the dark tip of her cane.

"Heavens, no," William responded calmly. "I took your point quite well last time. We can collect you when you're good and ready to be collected, and not a second before."

Granny nodded firmly. "Good. Yer a nice enough fella, and ah don't like scarrin' the nice ones. So what brings ya, then? Felt ya enter an' take shape."

William smiled faintly. "Your title is well earned," he murmured idly. He nervously pushed his glasses up his muzzle. "I understand one of my subordinates caused trouble for you and yours recently. I'm here to tender a formal apology over the matter, on behalf of myself, my organization, and my subordinate."

"Why ain't he here himself?" Granny demanded angrily.

William flushed slightly. "We are...still attempting to extract his wings and scythe," he allowed delicately. "The one called Sebastian was...quite thorough. It's difficult to remove that particular scythe while it's running without killing him."

"Why not just kill him, then?" Granny asked coldly. "Ain't he done enough ta deserve that?"

"The organization considers it more of a punishment under the circumstances to keep him alive," William answered with a faint smile. "Besides...the record of the 'battle' and the conversation beforehand raised...a possible explanation for Grell's...instability. Once Grell is healthy and intact, we wish to explore that possibility and see if that might...correct some of the issues."

Granny raised an eyebrow. "And ya came ta me with this why?"

"We were...hoping you'd be willing to act as a go between for us and the Diarchs on this matter," William explained delicately. "They are...unfond of our organization, and...are unlikely to accept a direct request from us for this. But if you were to raise the matter-"

"Or ya could just let Grell get in line," Granny interrupted. "Diarchs don't care who and what ya are if'n yer goin' for reassignment fer psychological reasons. They'll help him become her if he asks politely. What they do wit' her after is a different story, but that'll be her problem."

William considered this for a time, then nodded. "I shall present your suggestion to my superiors. Thank you for your time."

"Like ah said, yer a nice fella," Granny replied airily.

"And you are a fascinating mare," William murmured appreciatively. He sighed softly. "Another hour was provided in my schedule for this meeting. If I'd been assigned your case just a few decades ago..."

Granny smiled widely...and began to change. Her saggy skin slowly became taut. Her musculature filled out a bit as her rickety bones became stronger and more solid. Her white hair unraveled from its tight bun as it slowly turned blonde before weaving itself into twin braids. She smiled with real teeth as - before William's very eyes - she suddenly looked no older than 30(1). "How many decades?" she purred softly.

William stared, his jaw hanging.

"You said you have another hour," Granny purred softly, fluttering her long eyelashes his way. "I can keep this up for two before I'll need to rest. And there's a spare room upstairs here..."

William swallowed convulsively.

(1) This is based off Master Genkai's ability to do similar in the anime Yu Yu Hakusho by temporarily supercharging the cells of her body with her stored reiki, allowing her to look and function as though she were several decades younger for short periods of time. Similar thing here, but with magic.

Chapter 34

As Scootaloo slowly crawled her way towards wakefulness, she found herself completely content. She found no moment of disorientation when she thought she was still Young Sunrise, with her parents still alive to take care of everything. She found no time of dismay as she was forced to marshal her emotions and gain absolute control of herself to face the day. She didn't even find a moment of cold loneliness as she forced herself to shoulder the weight of the world alone.

She did, however, find all her female friends staring at her with expressions ranging from squeeing to stifled laughter. "What?" she grumbled irritably as she snuggled deeper into the warmth all around her.

"Nothin'!" Apple Bloom responded immediately.

"It's just..." Silver Spoon began, struggling to contain her amusement.

"I thought nobles were more insistent about waiting until after marriage," Diamond offered teasingly, an almost wicked smirk on her face.

"It's just so cute!" Sweetie Belle squealed happily.

Scootaloo blinked as she struggled to make sense of what they were saying...only for Bluebottle to pull her closer in a cuddle. "...five more minutes, dearest...you're too early..." His horn glowed as curtains were pulled shut to block out the early sunlight, making the other fillies giggle all the more.

Scootaloo's cheeks turned bright red as she realized the situation. The reason she slept so well and woke up completely at peace...was because after the party she'd given Bluebottle the one present he really wanted, to sleep cuddled up together. "BB!" she hissed out insistently. "Our friends are in here!"

"Then they can call room service in an hour," Bluebottle responded sleepily, only pulling Scootaloo tighter. "That's a good time for breakfast, plenty of pillows..."

Scootaloo groaned in frustrated embarrassment. One thing about Bluebottle, he was a very slow riser in the morning. About the only way she could get him up-

A cane suddenly lashed past the fillies, striking Bluebottle where his neck met his shoulders and sending him tumbling as he came fully awake. "Up!" Granny Smith snapped. "Ah rise with the roosters, and if'n ya want mah trainin', so da you!"

"I'm up!" Bluebottle declared eagerly, shooting to his hooves only to slam into the dresser. "...ow..."

Granny frowned thoughtfully. "We gotta lot o' work ta do here..." she grumbled to herself.

Scootaloo sighed in relief. The one thing that would always wake Bluebottle up immediately was a promise of adventure...or of something that could prepare him for adventure. Pushing herself up, she allowed Sebastian to move in to escort her away for her morning ablutions. "You didn't see fit to step in back there?" she mused dryly to him.

"It was not my place," Sebastian murmured softly. "It was your choice to share a bed with Bluebottle, and your choice to invite your friends to sleep over here, and your choice not to lock your bed chamber. I am certain they will not question your virtue over this."

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "None of them would spread rumors. If anything, they'll just tease me outrageously." As her thoughts turned back to how it felt to sleep in her fiance's embrace, she found herself smiling gently. "But not for too long..."

"They would not want to risk dissuading you from something that brought you such true joy," Sebastian agreed, his voice curiously neutral. "All of them can tell that such moments of joy and contentment are few and far between in your life."

Scootaloo turned to stare at Sebastian, frowning in thought. There was something...off about how he made that observation. "What's gotten into you?" she asked incisively.

"It is nothing important, my lady," Sebastian assured her. "Merely idle thoughts of no moment. Equestria is...very different than what I am used to, in more ways than anticipated."

Scootaloo raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "You aren't going soft, are you?"

"Heaven forbid."

"I'll just bet they do," Scootaloo joked, making them both chuckle.

Once her bath and breakfast was finished, Scootaloo turned her attention back to matters of Lucretia's hive. While she hadn't received a report from King Crimson yet, she wasn't the sort to sit back and let others do her work for her. Instead, she focused on those nobles she'd recognized at the monastery, investigating their comings and goings to see if she could determine how they'd become aware of the cult and trace that back to how their message was spreading without coming to the attention of the Princesses. She was using the room in her Ponyville residence that she'd transformed into an office while the other girls were watching BB getting trained by Granny Smith. She wanted to have a course of action ready, or at the very least some sort of idea.

She was startled out of her research as Sebastian suddenly lunged, seizing a snake that had slithered into the house. "Sebastian, the animals around here are all pretty much tame thanks to Fluttershy-"

"This is no true serpent," Sebastian growled out as he lifted the crimson reptile.

"You ssssspy true," the serpent hissed softly. "I am of Frenzzzzzy. I bring messsssage from my King, by the Treaty."

Scootaloo's ears immediately perked up. "I'm ready to hear it."

"Lucretia'ssss Hive remainssss hidden," the serpent explained. "Ssssseveral infiltratorsssss have fallen, ssssspotted by Lucretia'ssss agents in their outpossssstsss. Lasssst messssage from them told of dark place, and Lucretia'ssss face. She killsssss them hersssself."

"So if Lucretia's agents discover an enemy agent among their 'faithful', she has them bring them to her?" she mused idly, making Sebastian stiffen. He plainly knew what she was thinking.

"And all with them," the serpent confirmed. "Regretfully, ssssssome poniessss fell assss well, taken to Lucretia. We know not what became of them. Apologiesssss from infiltratorssss and King."

"Apology accepted," Scootaloo offered immediately. "This is very useful intelligence, against a very significant enemy."

"Were there any among those taken who have been seen again since as themselves?" Sebastian asked quickly.

"Only thosssse connected to nobles high in the chain," the disguised Changeling explained. "Time short. I go." With that, he slipped out of Sebastian's grasp and slithered away.

Sebastian turned to Scootaloo, ready to caution her against whatever plan she had...only to see an absolutely stricken expression across her face. "...my lady?" he asked worriedly.

"Sebastian, find out if Blueblood is still in town," she offered quietly. "I want to talk with him privately."

Sebastian stared at her for a time, taking in her absolutely devastated expression. He realized what she planned to do, and how much it hurt her to know it was necessary. He bowed low. "Yes, my lady."

Chapter 35

Scootaloo didn't have long to wait before Blueblood arrived, escorted by Sebastian. Unlike how he would greet most ponies he considered 'beneath him', Blueblood always had a genuine smile for his beloved little brother's fiance. "You asked to speak with me, Scoot?" he asked playfully, using a shortening of her chosen nickname.

Scootaloo smiled, deciding to keep the meeting friendly as long as she could. "Yeah. I got some mail I was confused about, and was wondering if it was at all familiar to you."

Blueblood chuckled softly. "Well, I suppose the intricacies of noble interplay might be a little unfamiliar to you after spending so much of your time out here in the middle of nowhere."

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, by now used to Blueblood's teasing barbs. "Have you ever heard of a group called Today's Hope?" she asked curiously.

Now it was Blueblood's turn to roll his eyes. "Really? You're asking me about that political movement disguised as a cult? I'm honestly surprised you can't tell a sham when you see it."

"Sham?" Scootaloo asked, feigning surprise. "Really?"

"Oh, absolutely," Blueblood confirmed. "Really, claiming to reunite one with deceased loved ones in this life and promising ascension? Can it get anymore transparently blatant as a faith game?" He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Though the hundreds of invitations they've sent me never do ask for money even in the vaguest of double talk...probably something they only bring up with the 'faithful' to 'spread the word' or something."

"They send you that many?" Scootaloo asked curiously, doing her best not to show how excited - and depressed - this made her to hear. If the 'cult' was that desperate to get Blueblood in their ranks, then her plan would work...too well.

"Indeed," Blueblood confirmed airily. "Though I can't imagine why-"

"Maybe they heard why you were pursuing Sunset Shimmer?" Scootaloo interrupted teasingly.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Blueblood countered primly.

"BB loves telling the story of why you're the 'best big brother ever' while at the same time being an absolute cad," Scootaloo countered wickedly.

Blueblood winced. "Including my talk about Aunt Celestia's former student?" he asked, his tone somewhat sick.

"He told Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle just a few months ago," Scootaloo needled. "Imagine if Sweetie told her older sister about that?"

Blueblood shuddered violently. "Heavens, no," he murmured in fear. He then frowned, his eyes calculating. "But why are you asking me about them?"

Scootaloo shrugged innocently. "I got one of their invites," she explained readily, doing her best to keep her voice neutral. "The ascension promise is of no interest to me, but the reuniting with lost loved ones..." She sighed sadly. "I'm ashamed to admit I was tempted. I...I miss Mom and Dad..." She wiped a tear away. "But as you say, it's a sham. As long as you're completely sure..."

Blueblood's eyes narrowed dangerously. "It wasn't Scootaloo who asked me here to talk, was it?" he asked incisively. "It was Lady Wingshadow."

Scootaloo winced. So much for keeping things friendly, she thought silently to herself. "Yeah...sorry for being deceptive-"

"To be honest, I expect it," Blueblood interrupted. "You wouldn't be doing your job well if you opened with the entire truth. So what is it you want of me?"

Scootaloo nodded. At least he wasn't holding it against her...though when he heard the whole plan, he might just try to kill her. He was very protective of Bluebottle, after all. "I want you to accept one of their invitations," she began. "Express interest in their message, in whatever way won't arouse suspicion about the sudden decision. I'm certain I can leave that part to you, you're far more skilled at political and social double talk than I."

"Flattery won't get you anywhere with me," Blueblood chided gently, though he did smirk at the praise. "Though I'm surprised you would want me to spy for you. You of all ponies should know I'm terrible at that."

"I don't want you to spy for me," Scootaloo corrected. "I want you to escort me. Part of how you could cover yourself would be expressing concern for a 'family friend' who you hope to help, if you can work with that."

Blueblood frowned at that. "It'll be difficult, if not flat out impossible, to keep Bluebottle away with that cover."

"It wouldn't make sense to try, either," Scootaloo agreed.

The Prince's eyes narrowed. "Just how dangerous is this cult, anyway?" he asked dangerously.

"Dangerous enough that it has to be dealt with," Scootaloo responded softly. "And clever enough that a direct attack of any sort would be pointless...unless their home base can be located."

"So what is your plan, then?" Blueblood demanded darkly. "Let yourself get snatched along with Bluebottle when they recognize who and what you are, and hope that somehow leads backup to this home base so you can take them down? And hope they want me among them badly enough that they don't kill the two of you once they have you, or all three of us outright?"

"More or less," Scootaloo admitted grimly.

Blueblood stepped forward, his entire aura changing to become dangerous, so much so that Sebastian discreetly positioned himself where he could easily intervene. "What's so important about this cult that you would go so far, would risk even Bluebottle?"

"They're the ones who killed my parents," Scootaloo responded flatly.

Blueblood's temper lowered, though his glare remained. "Do you care so little for Bluebottle that you'd risk him just for vengeance?"

"They didn't just kill my parents," Scootaloo continued. "They destroyed my home, and kidnapped me, and tried to break me. It wasn't a personal strike, it was a coordinated and planned strike on Equestria's Watchdogs. And now their operations have increased, and they're primarily targeting nobles. What does that tell you?"

Blueblood's face paled. "This is conquest..." he murmured softly.

"So no, I wouldn't risk Bluebottle for vengeance," Scootaloo answered. "But this isn't just vengeance. It's also Duty. And you know how serious that is to me."

Blueblood lowered his gaze. "I am sorry I misjudged you."

"Forgiven," Scootaloo responded immediately. "I hate myself just as much for considering this plan."

"I'll do it on one condition," Blueblood spoke up softly. "We don't go until Bluebottle is as skilled as we can make him without him being recognized as that skilled."

"We'll wait until Granny Smith says he's ready," Scootaloo confirmed. "And Sebastian will help with his training."

"Wait, what?" Blueblood and Sebastian demanded in simultaneous shock.

Chapter 36

Scootaloo, Blueblood, and Sebastian slowly made their way towards Sweet Apple Acres. Blueblood kept glancing between Scootaloo and Sebastion in confusion. "You want my little brother...to be trained by your butler?" he finally asked firmly.

"You really think anyone working for House Wingshadow is exactly what they appear?" Scootaloo countered with a smug smirk.

"Fair enough," Blueblood allowed. "But if he's so skilled, why is he your butler?"

"You mean why would I want the servant who literally goes everywhere with me to have unparalleled combat skills after what happened to the House?" Scootaloo countered darkly.

Blueblood blinked in surprise. "...fair enough," he allowed again as he turned that over in his mind. He had wondered why Scootaloo, after such an event, still eschewed any bodyguards. Apparently she'd just chosen to eschew obvious bodyguards. Still, it would not be long before he saw exactly how capable this Sebastian was.

Before long, the trio reached Sweet Apple Acres, where the thrum of magic could be heard echoing through the air from within the barn. Following that sound, they found Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon watching in awe as magic swords floated through the air around Bluebottle before striking out at Granny Smith. Granny simply flicked out with her cane in response to the approach of each blade of magic, deflecting or disrupting them without getting up from her rocking chair or even looking half the time. "Ya gotta work on the sound," she instructed firmly. "Summoned blades do ya no good if'n yer foe hears 'em come in."

"H-how do I do that?" Bluebottle asked as he strained to keep all the blades going exactly where he wanted them to at once.

"How should ah know?" Granny countered. "Ah ain't a unicorn! All ah know about unicorn magic is how ta break it! Look it up!" She turned to see the trio entering. "Well howdy there!" she greeted warmly as she deflected another blade.

"How's he doing?" Blueblood asked curiously.

"Not bad," Granny confirmed. "Got 150 blades of various sizes and shapes goin' at once, and that's impressive since he ain't lost any. Still, ah don' think ah can take him much further in th' way ya want him ta go. Ya want him ta learn ta protect, but mah style was never what ye might call 'defensive'."

"Offensive, then?" Blueblood asked hopefully. "And he can learn to defend by blocking you?"

"Nah, that ain't the word fer it," Granny corrected.

"What is then?" Sebastian asked curiously as Bluebottle lunged in, trying to take advantage of a distraction.

Granny's cane lashed out, striking a point just below Bluebottle's rib cage that caused him to collapse to the ground, chocking and grasping at his chest. "Lethal," Granny explained as Bluebottle's struggles quickly ended. "That there is a pressure point that locks the diaphragm. Put enough strength and magic inta it, and it stays locked till the body dies o' lack of oxygen, and leaves no evidence. Cause o' death reads as 'stopped breathing'. I only gave ya a few seconds ta teach ya not ta overextend."

"I-I understand, Sensei," Bluebottle gasped out after drawing in a huge breath. "I won't fail you again."

"I see what you mean," Scootaloo spoke up. "He needs someone who can fight to dominate - rather than to kill - to teach him how to protect himself in combat."

"Ah know a few fellas that might be able ta help," Granny observed as she let her chair rock back and forth. "Unless ya got a better idea? Not sure how ah feel about callin' them in..."

"There's no need," Scootaloo responded immediately. "Sebastian will handle that role."

Granny's eyebrow went up, and she let out a wicked cackle. "Lookin' forward to it!" she declared eagerly.

Bluebottle settled himself as he turned towards Sebastian. "I won't let my dearest down," he stated firmly as he let most of his blades dissipate, focusing on just a few near his own body.

Scootaloo's eyes widened. She hadn't realized it at the time since she was too focused on the fact Bluebottle was choking, but even while his diaphragm was locked he was maintaining nearly all the magic blades he'd conjured to try and attack Granny. "I don't believe you can," she murmured in awe.

"His focus and determination is certainly of note, My Lady," Sebastian agreed.

"Are you prepared, Sebastian?" Scootaloo asked him calmly.

Sebastian smiled as he reached into his doublet and pulled out a rapier. "A Wingshadow butler who isn't prepared for everything isn't worth his salt."

Diamond Tiara looked stunned. "Salt?" she asked disapprovingly.

"Serves a different purpose for griffons," Blueblood spoke up. "Back in the days of their empire, soldiers on long trips were given salt rations due to losing a great deal of the necessary nutrient from the strenuous aerial march. Of course, salt in those quantities is difficult to safely store and transport, especially without magic...so soldiers were only sent on such trips if they could carry themselves and support the unit well enough to warrant the investment. Thus the phrase 'being worth one's salt'."

"How interesting!" Sweetie squeaked excitedly, plainly enthralled by the historical tidbit.

Sebastian moved into position in front of Bluebottle. "Your lesson begins. Are you ready?"

"I a-"

Before Bluebottle could finish his words, Sebastian's blade lashed out, almost reaching his throat before a magic blade took shape in the path to deflect it, resulting only in his doublet being cut. "Lesson one," Sebastian began, "the enemy will not wait for you to be ready." He proceeded with a flurry of strikes that no physical blade would have been able to counter.

Bluebottle quickly dropped focus on the blades he had, now conjuring 'spot blades' to deflect each incoming strike. He was panting a bit, but he was still fighting. His eyes widened and blades spun in front of his face to deflect the dirt and hay Sebastian had sent towards his eyes with a flick of his tail tip.

"Lesson two, the enemy will not fight fair," Sebastian continued before leaping into the air, kicking off a wall for extra height before lunging down blade first at an angle outside Bluebottle's line of sight.

Bluebottle rolled to the side, conjuring blades to lock Sebastian's sword in the ground. "Ha-" He cut off his laughter as he rolled out of the way of Sebastian's slashing talons.

"Lesson three, never underestimate the enemy's available weaponry," Sebastian concluded. "Remember these lessons, and you just might survive."

"I won't forget," Bluebottle panted as he moved his magic blades closer to his body in a defensive pattern.

"May I retrieve my sword?" Sebastian asked courteously.

Bluebottle almost instinctively started to move his blades away from the sword, then stopped. "You have other weapons," he countered firmly. "Besides...you're still 'the enemy'."

Sebastian chuckled softly. "Too right," he confirmed as he flexed his wrists, clutching silver knives and forks between his talons. "Now dodge." He began throwing them at Bluebottle.

As the match became more intense as Sebastian slowly upped his pace, the only comment came from Scootaloo.

"That better not be the good silver! That set's a family heirloom!"

Chapter 37

The next month passed swiftly for Scootaloo. Each day, Bluebottle would continue his training with Granny Smith and Sebastian. Blueblood had gone back to Canterlot to see to his end of the business, while Scootaloo kept her focus up on her own work, catching up on matters related to the 'official' side of Wingshadow business, the toy sales and the like. While there were other aspects of the unofficial side of Wingshadow business that needed attention, none of them were time sensitive or all that urgent, and she wanted her focus on the present assignment.

When she wasn't working through paperwork, she spent her time with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon. They tended to alternate their time between watching Bluebottle's training, crusading for Cutie Marks for the three founding Crusaders, or trying to catch Granny while she was alone to try and get stories of how she was so amazing in battle out of her (she rarely, if ever, complied there). Scootaloo wanted to spend some time with Rainbow, but she wasn't in Ponyville all that much. While the threat of Lucretia's hive wasn't official, Scootaloo had sent a report back regarding her investigations that an organized threat to Equestria's stability was rising. This resulted in Princess Celestia quietly building up the strength of the various Defender groups that served Equestria. Rather than recruiting massive numbers of troops for the Guard or the Wonderbolts or other such groups, this meant taking anyone who was enrolled in training for those groups with unique capabilities and fast-tracking their training so they could be fielded on the front lines at a moments notice.

This meant, among other things, Rainbow Dash was currently getting a good deal of personal training from Spitfire and Soarin' both to push her to her limits physically and magically so she could surpass them again and again, but also familiarizing her with as much team and military maneuvers as possible. While Rainbow was squealing like a fangirl every morning she took off for lessons, it meant she was sleep-gliding home whenever the marathon sessions ended, leaving her with little energy for anything other than training and mostly crashing - sometimes literally - at Fluttershy's to be tended and keeping her at her peak. On the one hoof, this meant Rainbow would likely make Wonderbolt in record time, which filled her with joy and excitement. On the other hoof, until then she had little time for anyone or anything else unless it was an emergency, at which times she surprised everyone with the vast stores of extra energy and determination she was able to tap at a moment's notice.

To Scootaloo's surprise, Rainbow had actually made the time to write her a letter. Once again, Scootaloo found herself reading it and marveling at it.

Hey Squirt!

Sorry I haven't been around like I used to, but it looks like I'm going to be making Wonderbolt before too long! I just bet you're excited about that, because I know I am! At the same time, there's part of me that wants to ditch some of this training to be there for my 'little sis', especially since I can tell from what little I've seen that some really big things are going down in your life. I really want to be there to help you through that, but I know you'd just say I have to focus on my dream, especially what with all the 'Urgency Protocol' stuff Spitfire and Soarin' are throwing about. At least, that's what your butler said you'd say the one time I tried to swing by early to see you before heading out and you were still asleep.

Speaking of, since when did you have your own butler? Never saw him around you before...at least not before you came back that one time in an eyepatch. Definitely big things in your life.

Well, even if I can't be there physically for you in this part of your life, I'll do what I can. If you need anything, write me or look me up...or get Twilight to send me an urgent summons. I'll be there as soon as physically possible...and since it's me that's saying it, you know darn well it'll be fast!
See you around, Sis,
Rainbow Awesome Danger Responsibility Dash.
P.S. That's my actual name, surprisingly enough. My parents are weird...and the less said there, the better. Hope that puts a smile on your face, though!

Scootaloo smiled as she set the letter aside. She couldn't help but wonder what sort of ponies had produced the Rainbow Dash...especially if they actually gave her those middle names. As she turned to go back to her work, she saw Sebastian enter. "How goes Bluebottle's training?" she asked curiously.

"Exceptionally, my lady," he replied as he moved to her side. "I believe he will have achieved the limit of what I'm capable of teaching him within restrictions by the end of the week."

"Restrictions?" Scootaloo demanded irritably. "What restrictions did I put on you teaching him?"

"The standard ones," Sebastian reminded her. "The ones that say I am not to reveal my demonic nature without direct orders."

Scootaloo's eyebrow rose dramatically. "Sebastian, I've seen what you're capable of in combat. You're saying Bluebottle's pushing you?"

"You did see the latest blade technique he developed, did you not?" Sebastian pointed out. "The one he called the Shatterblade?"

Scootaloo frowned. "Yeah, I saw it. Don't get what's so big about it. All I saw was you striking the magic blade, it exploding...and then you dancing around like you were trying to dodge mosquitoes."

"The blade didn't explode," Sebastian pointed out. "It shattered into thousands of blade less than a micrometer long each, enchanted to swarm the one who shattered the blade, feeding off their magic to sustain them as they seek lethal strikes. It is an impressively dangerous, deadly, and above all clever counter-attack to an especially offensive foe...especially since few foes can even see blades of magic that small."

Scootaloo's eyes widened in awe. "...wow. How many of those can he keep up at a time?"

"He can shape any of his blades he conjures to become a Shatterblade," Sebastian explained. "As I said, he is pushing the limits of my restrictions. I daresay that short of encountering my ilk, he can probably handle anything short of a fully grown dragon Lucretia and her ilk might sic on you, at least as far as keeping you safe until I arrive for rescue. That is your plan after all, is it not?"

Scootaloo nodded. "In that case, it's time to tell Blueblood to set things in motion on his end..."

Chapter 38

Despite Scootaloo's own secret wishes, it did not take Blueblood long to make the arrangements to be invited to a 'special service' at a 'secluded' monastery of Today's Hope, well off the beaten path where the reply message assured him he was unlikely to encounter any who would recognize him, as he'd requested. Only once he had the directions there in hoof did he send the message about bringing along his younger brother and 'a fellow noble and family friend in need of relief from grief'. Scootaloo had to hand it to Blueblood, as much of an ass as he presented himself to be most times, he knew his political maneuvering.

After quick goodbyes to her Ponyville friends, Scootaloo was ready to head back to Canterlot with Bluebottle. Sebastian would make his own way this time, as a large part of this plan was to let Scootaloo get grabbed, and letting Sebastian track her through the Contract link. This specific variety of demonic contract was not native to Equestria, so it was highly unlikely anyone native to this world would have a means of blocking his ability to trace her through it once an order to come get her was given. Still...it was a gamble.

That was why Bluebottle was with her, much as Scootaloo hated to admit it. With any luck, his skill would be enough to break them out of whatever they found themselves trapped in if the Contract link didn't work. She just needed to make sure if she was taken, that they were taken together and didn't get separated. While the former was painful to think, the latter was easy enough to accept.

The hard part was knowing she couldn't tell Bluebottle what he was getting into. While he would eagerly throw himself into an adventure of espionage and danger, Applejack was a better liar than him. He might be able to keep the nature of any 'conspiracy' he was involved in secret, but keeping the fact he was involved in one secret was far beyond his abilities. He would never be a good poker player.

All this went through Scootaloo's mind over and over as she sat beside Bluebottle in Blueblood's carriage. While she knew it was a good plan, she found a rather unexpected personal hurdle rearing its head. She'd come to depend quite a bit on Sebastian, as much on his physical presence as on his abilities. Without him being near, she found herself frequently reaching one hoof up to the eyepatch, and fidgeting nervously. She didn't like it. She needed to be strong enough to stand on her own hooves. Even if Sebastian, by the contract, would always be there, she couldn't let herself be in such a state just because he wasn't there.

Her eyes widened and her fidgeting stopped as Bluebottle's tail shifted to lay over hers. He smiled over at her. "Have no fear, my Sunrise," he whispered softly. "I am here."

Scootaloo silently cursed him for being able to set her to blushing so easily. Still, as corny as the line was, she decided the reassurance deserved at least a muzzle nuzzle, so she playfully rubbed her nose against his.

Blueblood smiled indulgently as he watched over them, plainly pleased to see that their bond was both so strong and so real. "If only you had an older sister, Sunrise," Blueblood observed ruefully. "For a mare like you - but an adult - I might just consider being respectable."

"I actually do have an adoptive big sister, sorta," Scootaloo offered playfully. "Though respectable's the last thing she is, even if she is getting enhanced Wonderbolt training."

"That prismatic pegasus from the Gala?" Blueblood asked in surprise. "Well, she's certainly a fine figure of a mare. How do you think she'd respond to courting overtures?"

"Probably by bucking you in the face with both hind hooves," Scootaloo observed idly, snickering at the mental image. "Rarity is one of her best friends, after all."

To her surprise, Blueblood clapped his hooves with glee. "Oh, imagine the scandal! Newest Wonderbolt violently rejects overtures of the Prince! And if I made continuous efforts to win her over, it'd get my parents off my back about 'finding someone suitable', if only out of despair of me ever being anything but a spoiled noble brat. And maybe I'd wear her down eventually."

"I hope you enjoy being kicked in the face then," Scootaloo offered humorously. The humor faded when she noticed the slight tinge to Blueblood's cheeks. "...I really didn't need to know that about you..."

"We're almost there, your highness," one of the pegasi pulling the chariot suddenly spoke up.

"What wondrous timing!" Blueblood declared eagerly as the chariot began to descend.

Scootaloo glanced out the side of the carriage, hoping to see where they were going before they got there. It wasn't long before the monastery came into view, laid out in an identical pattern to the one she had visited with Sebastian. The only noticeable difference was that the 'oasis' it was set up around was a spring in the center of a small box canyon with completely sheer walls, with no paths leading down into it from the top. She immediately felt her hackles go up. That was not a natural formation. Only magic carved canyons out like that...or possibly the hoof-falls of incredibly large creatures. Either way, all of her instincts told her that even the monastery itself was likely a trap, and one they were flying right into.

As the carriage settled to the ground, several ponies approached it. At first glance, it looked like almost exact replicas of the 'clergy' from the other monastery...except one of them was noticeably larger and her habit bore actual decorations. "Greetings, Highness and guests," she offered, her voice rich, vibrant...and somehow empty. "You are welcome to Today's Hope." She watched as they stepped out of the carriage. Once Scootaloo placed her hooves on earth, the mare continued. "I am the Mother Superior...Lucretia."

Scootaloo jerked up. She didn't need to see the glow building in the mare's eyes and horn to know they were screwed. "Wa-"

Her cry was cut off as dim violet cocoons sprang up out of the ground they were standing on, wrapping around each of them and locking them in place. Even the pegasi who'd pulled the chariot were ensnared. Lucretia's empty laugh echoed as green fire erupted around her, revealing her true form.

She was exceptionally thin-bodied, looking almost emaciated. Her chitin was a shimmering blue violet, and she walked on six long, spindly legs that lifted her high above any pony. Dragonfly wings buzzed on her back as two antennae glowed as the focal points of her magic. Large, compound eyes surmounted her round head, over a long beak-like nose and tiny mouth.

"You truly are foolish to think we would not see this coming and be prepared, Sunrise Wingshadow," Lucretia hissed, her voice echoing cruelly like an out-of-key flute played in an echo canyon. "You have played right into our clutches! We have had lings training to replace Blueblood and his brother the moment they arrived, and with you out of the way Equestria will be ours!" She leaned in close. "We know not the magic you used to escape us last time...but it will not save you this time. No magic will penetrate your cocoon, nor will it allow you movement. You will only watch powerlessly as Equestria falls to us!"

As illusions fell to reveal the honeycomb of caverns that lined the canyon's walls, Scootaloo prayed her plan would still work.

Chapter 39

Scootaloo kept herself as calm as she could manage as the cocoons were transported into the caves before being hung from the ceiling. Once that was done, she took stock of the situation as she could make it out. Okay, first the pros, she began mentally. We're all in the same chamber, it's a sealed chamber with guards outside, and no one's looking at us at the moment. The tunnels are a shifting maze - literally shifting, I saw one alter its path mid-trip - which should play more to Sebastian's advantage than the Changelings' once he gets here, since he'll have an easier time hiding what he does and thus maintaining his 'just a butler' attitude since now would be a bad time to reveal his true nature. No telling what that would do here.

And now cons, Scootaloo continued her thoughts. Well, there's not wanting to unleash Sebastian's full power just yet, both for what it might reveal with who can see and the fact I know Sebastian needs to eat souls to be at 100%. The more power I make him use, the less he'll have until he eats his next soul. She attempted to shift her position in the cocoon. Con 2, we're completely immobilized, except for my mouth. I can breathe, and probably speak...for now. Well, that doesn't seem so bad. Just need to look around until I can find a reflective surface, remove my eyepatch and... Her eyes widened as she realized a rather prominent difficulty. In order to summon Sebastian from a distance, she needed to be able to expose her Contract marking. If she couldn't move to remove her eyepatch... "Crap baskets," she murmured softly.

"Problem, love?" Bluebottle asked curiously.

"Only that if I can't move my legs, we're screwed," Scootaloo explained irritably. "So unless you can fix that-"

At that moment Bluebottle's entire body flashed, and the cocoon was ripped to shreds around him as it fell apart, even his mane free of so much as a drop of slime. "As you wish," he offered warmly as his horn glowed.

Scootaloo stared as the cocoons fell apart around herself and Blueblood. "But...but Changeling slime and cocoons block other forms of magic!"

"Granny Smith taught me there were two types of magic blocking," Bluebottle explained. "One is area of effect, which absorbs all magic but the form it's powered by. The only defense against that type is having the same type of magic, or destroying the blocking enchantment. The second type involves a specific substance being applied to the body to block magic from manifesting. The best defense for that is to not let it touch your body." His entire body shimmered briefly as he used tiny magic blades to flick away every bit of slime from Scootaloo before moving on to Blueblood. "So she taught me how to maintain a full coat of transparent micro-blades to rest against my entire body as a magic armor that can, at any moment, be turned into a hedgehog-style offensive defense."

"When you reach your majority, you are enrolling in the Front Line Guard," Blueblood spoke up as he straightened his mane. "I don't care what Mother and Father say. A warrior with your natural talent anywhere else would be a tragic waste."

"Not if I tap him first," Scootaloo countered firmly. "Wingshadow could definitely use someone of that skill."

"I am ever at your command, my love," Bluebottle promised happily.

Blueblood chuckled ruefully. "So what is the plan now?" Blueblood asked curiously. "I suppose there is a plan, and we didn't walk into an obvious trap without backup on a lark?"

"More on a griffon," Scootaloo countered playfully, knowing the full measure of the joke would only be known to her. "I need a reflective surface..."

"Will this do?" Blueblood offered, floating an ornate hoof-mirror - what the minotaurs would call a hand mirror - out of his doublet and over to her.

"You carry a mirror with you at all times?" Scootaloo asked in surprise.

"You don't think this flawless mane and face happen naturally, do you?" Blueblood chided playfully.

"They do for Bluebottle," she countered, pointing to where the colt had just shaken himself off, only for his mane to fall naturally into the perfect coiffure that Blueblood worked so hard for.

"Of course they do, the lucky git," Blueblood growled playfully as he reached over to muss his younger brother's mane. He then stared as it returned to its prior state without any effort on the part of Bluebottle.

"Any chance your family's related to Fluttershy?" Scootaloo asked curiously. "Or just him?"

"I shall endeavor to investigate," Blueblood murmured thoughtfully. "Assuming your plan gets us out in one piece."

"You two take positions around me," Scootaloo instructed. "And until backup gets here, keep your backs to me." Once they obeyed, she held the mirror up to see her reflection before removing her eyepatch. Opening her eyes, she saw the contract marking glowing in her reflection. "Sebastian!"

Sebastian's face appeared in the mirror, holding up his claw where his marking glowed. "I am here."

"This is an order," Scootaloo declared firmly. "Come get us, and make Lucretia pay."

"Yes, My Lady."

Sebastian stared out at what was now known to be Lucretia's Hive, plotting his approach. He already had the manor help in position to assist, but it quickly became plain that said assistance would be limited. The tunnels were too narrow for the clockwork golem records-keeper, didn't have enough openings for Gretchen to get a good shot, and Silver Tongue and Flamberge were not suited to the guerrilla combat going into the tunnels would involve. Going in alone also wasn't a good option, as short of unleashing more of his power than Scootaloo had permitted he'd be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. By His Mistress' restriction, he was limited to the bad silver, and that set was much smaller. "This...could be problematic," he murmured thoughtfully.

"Perhaps I can assist, Sebas-chan?"

Sebastian's eyes widened. That voice was much softer than he was used to, and nowhere near as unhinged. Turning, he found his eyes widening at what awaited him. A rather lovely pegasus mare stood there, smiling softly at him. Her green eyes sparkled behind her red glasses, and her red coat matched almost perfectly the shade of the long coat she was wearing. Her crimson mane and tail were combed back, almost slicked, but still breaking into rather fetching spikes. Upon her shapely flank was the mark of a broken film reel. "...Grell?" Sebastian asked in surprise.

"One and the same," the mare purred. "I made it in to see Princess Luna for the spell, and...it's been rather calming." She took a deep breath before letting it out. "Mortals have a hard enough time when a quirk of fate makes their minds and bodies mismatch. For an immortal reaper..." She shook her head. "I cannot excuse my actions in the past, dear Sebas-chan...but I do apologize if I've been unreasonably troublesome to you."

Sebastian looked Grell in the eyes for a time, surprised to see only sincerity. Eventually, he decided that he had more important things to do than to pick a fight here. "As it seems you were female all along even if your body wasn't at the time, plainly you were only behaving as you were supposed to. Isn't it the woman's job in Victorian England to drive men crazy?"

Grell smiled widely, showing her pointed teeth. "I understand you're having some difficulty planning an assault here? Perhaps I can assist?" Reaching into her coat, she pulled out her chainsaw reaper's scythe. Gripping it in both hooves, she clutched the throttle in her teeth and pulled back, setting it to humming.

"Two against thousands isn't that much better than one," Sebastian pointed out, "though the assistance is appreciated."

Grell's smile turned sheepish. "I...may have brought a bit of help."

A metallic clanking slowly approached with a tumbling sound Sebastian had never expected to hear in Equestria. Turning to the source...he grinned widely. "That will do quite nicely."

Chapter 40

Scootaloo kept her face to the mirror, watching the glowing Contract mark in her eye. As long as it was exposed to air and glowing, it sent out a continuous pulse along the Contract itself to let Sebastian know exactly where she was. That was their only hope of escape at this point, let alone carrying out her vengeance. Their breach of their cocoons did not go unnoticed, and entire swarms of guards were lining the halls. At first, Blueblood and Bluebottle were confident they could strike them down and fight their way out...until one of Bluebottle's blades was absorbed into the black rock armor the Changelings were wearing. As if anti-magic traps weren't bad enough...magic absorbing armor? What next?

After that, Blueblood and Bluebottle took defensive positions to make sure they could watch all possible approaches. The Changelings, however, simply stood and watched. They stayed as still as statues, to the point it was difficult to tell they weren't statues. "Why aren't they moving?" Bluebottle demanded irritably.

"They want to wear us down," Blueblood responded immediately. "We have to stay completely tense and alert for any possible attack, our nerves as taut as bowstrings. But keep a bowstring taut too long, the bow weakens. They can just stand still and watch us, perfectly relaxed while they wait for us to break ourselves. And we don't have enough of us to take turns on watch." He frowned thoughtfully. "Whatever else you say about them, they know what they're doing."

"Here's hoping I know better-" Scootaloo began.

Ka-THOOM!

The massive explosion rocked the entire tunnel, causing all of the Changeling guards to jump and spin, looking towards the source as a fireball bloomed through a tunnel wall. A metallic tumbling clanking sound echoed through the hole as something began to emerge from the smoke.

Ratatatatatatatatatatat!

The rapid retorts punctuated by flashes of light heralded the Changelings being mowed down like chaff as something pierced through them rapidly, tearing body and armor apart. Blueblood and Bluebottle ducked as tiny metal spheres trailing green gore became embedded in the wall behind them. As the smoke faded, the shape became more clearly defined.

Earth ponies had once built tanks in the pre-Unification era. The intention of these armored vehicles was to provide a means through which Earth Pony strength could circumvent unicorn spell casting. An armored vehicle that could launch metal projectiles to inflict as much damage as war magic...the concept was sound, but execution was not. Most pony tanks were large, clunky things that could barely move and required completely flat terrain to function, making them next to useless given unicorns almost universally built their strongholds atop high slopes.

This was so different from the historical pony tanks Scootaloo wondered why she instantly knew the same word even applied. It was made of pure silver, with enchantments for durability, maneuverability, and cleansing so deeply engraved in the metal she was surprised plant life wasn't springing up around it as it rolled. Multiple rollers lined the sides of the tank at varying heights relative to the ground, surrounded by a tread that rolled continuously as it moved. The body of the tank was a boxy square, big enough to hold all the machinery within and presumably not much else...except for the fact the cockpit cover had a spatial expansion enchantment engraved into the metal, plainly indicating it could hold much more than exterior dimensions allowed. Small paintball guns jutted out at the four sides and the four corners, now visibly loaded with cold iron pellets. A massive turret swiveled around atop the tank, emerald flames visible in its depths behind a shell of some sort. The remains of a shell dropped from the hole in the wall, showing silver powder, iron dust, salt, garlic, and holy water alongside an explosive sunfire charge.

This wasn't just a tank. This was a monster killing tank, and loaded to take on gods.

The guns fired off several more times until all the Changeling guards in the area were either dead or scattered. The tank then swiveled to face Scootaloo and the others, the filly having put her eyepatch back on to face the tank. The hatch squeaked, lifted...

...and revealed five familiar faces.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS RESCUE SQUAD, YAY!"

Scootaloo felt her jaw drop. "Sweetie Belle? Apple Bloom? Diamond Tiara? Silver Spoon? ...Spike? What are you doing here?"

"Uh, rescuing you," Apple Bloom pointed out.

"Duh!" Diamond Tiara added. "We kinda shouted it out just now."

"But how did you find us?" Scootaloo demanded. "And where did you get the tank?"

"We made it ourselves," Sweetie Belle explained. "I found the blueprints when we visited Diamond's house to play some of her games."

"My Dad's a silversmith," Silver Spoon spoke up, "so I know my way around smelting and engraving."

"Zecora helped me mix up th' ammunition!" Apple Bloom added.

"I paid for everything we couldn't scrounge ourselves, and managed to get a rush on the materials," Diamond chimed in.

"And I provide the fire that's making it go!" Spike concluded.

"It's also got some sort of beacon spell to lock in on people," Diamond Tiara added, "but for some reason it's locked onto your butler. He's around here somewhere, teamed up with some crazy mare with a motor-blade."

Scootaloo nodded. Motor-blade. That was a new landscaping tool that Equestria had developed, using a motor and chain to carve through wood far better than an ordinary saw could. It also worked well as a combat weapon. For some reason, Sebastian called them chainsaws. Apparently, Grell got the spell she needed, and somehow was now teamed up with Sebastian. "So what's the plan to get out then?" she asked curiously.

"Hop in!" Sweetie invited as they pulled their heads back in.

Scootaloo quickly clambered into the tank, closely followed by Bluebottle and Blueblood. While the interior was larger than exterior dimensions allowed, it was still pretty packed between the machinery to manipulate turrets and cannon, controls, five fillies, one colt, one dragonling, and one stallion. "Bit of a tight fit," she murmured softly.

"Well we aren't staying long!" Apple Bloom insisted as she started steering the tank back towards the outside.

"So...how are we going to get up the steep sides of the box canyon?" Bluebottle asked curiously. "Can this tank climb walls as well?"

Dead silence reigned throughout the tank. Scootaloo's eyes went flat. "You gotta be kidding me..."

Chapter 41

Scootaloo felt safe in the tank as they trundled their way back out of the Changeling Hive. On the one hoof, this was a good thing as she plainly wasn't as ready to take the place down as she'd thought. On the other hoof, she didn't want to retreat here as this was probably the one chance she'd get to try and take Lucretia down here. If they got away, the Hive would probably relocate before sunrise. On the third hoof, she could probably just Unleash Sebastian on Lucretia's hive once they were safely away and Bluebottle and the others wouldn't see it happen. On the fourth hoof, she didn't actually want an indiscriminate slaughter of the entire hive here. Lucretia was the one she wanted dead, and that didn't need a genocide.

"How are you steering this thing, anyway?" she asked finally, desperate to have anything to break her chain of unpleasant thoughts.

"We aren't, actually," Sweetie Belle explained readily. "We're mostly just controlling the weapons. It's just following the same path of devastation in as out, since otherwise we'd get hopelessly lost trying to maneuver through the halls of a structure that constantly changed shape specifically with the goal of confusing intruders-"

"Wait, you mean the Changelings will know the exact path we're taking out?" Blueblood demanded intensely, eyes wide with fear.

Daimond Tiara's eyes slowly widened as she took that in. "Oh sh-"

The entire tank suddenly rocked violently to the sound of torn earth. As it landed on its side, the sound continued until all movement stilled. "I thought this thing was supposed to automatically right itself?" Silver Spoon demanded irritably as she rubbed her head with one hoof and pawed for her fallen glasses with the other.

"Unless it gets hemmed in from both sides," Spike pointed out as he handed Silver her glasses, having been the first to recover. "I think we're in big trouble-"

The cockpit cover suddenly ripped away, the bright silver bending and warping as the tank was peeled open like a can of sardines. Lucretia herself stared down at the group, her face pulled into a furious snarl as her lings surrounded her. "Oh, you have no idea..." she hissed. "I would have been satisfied keeping you locked up or trapped, enjoying your suffering as your hope slowly died...but you've denied me that. So I'll just have to be more...direct. Watch your friends die!" One of her legs lashed straight for Sweetie Belle, only to pull back as a gout of green flame and a blade of blue-gold light lashed the limb. "You are only delaying the inevitable!"

Sweetie began pawing at a device that had tumbled around when the tank flipped over. "Your butler's lady friend said to turn this on if we were in trouble!" she yelled at Scootaloo. As she tried to get it to work, it sparked a few times before letting out a brief whistling and falling silent. "Oh no..."

From somewhere above, a loud mechanical hum sprang to life.

"What was that-?" Lucretia began.

Music erupted from the device.

Grell leapt down into the mob of lings, her chainsaw flashing as she bisected any that got too close as she danced about like a mad dervish even as the song burst into lyrics.

Reaper Reaper
That's what people call me
Why? Cause they all...die
When I sing I end their lives!
You act as though
Payback makes you a noble mare
Is that a fact?
Well you're a goddamn Philistine!

Scootaloo felt her mouth twisting in irritation at the lyrics, since part of it at least seemed directed harshly her way. Still, Grell was certainly providing an effective distraction as all of Lucretia's soldiers struggled to contain her. However, none of them could even get close to her as she danced around like Pinkie Pie on too much punch, her reaper blade tearing their lives apart even from glancing blows as the death magic in it leeched the living magic that made the lings function right out of their bodies. Watching, Scootaloo could actually believe Grell might be able to save them all on her own...

If not for the fact Lucretia's swarm numbered in the thousands, and Grell was only able to hold the attention of about 200 at a time.

Lucretia ignored the music as she rounded on her real targets. "It is no matter!" she hissed. "She will wear out, I will have your death-AH!" She pulled back, a flash of silver having struck across her face and leaving a bleeding gash. "Who dares?" She looked around angrily.

"So even here no one looks up," Sebastian purred from his position directly above, wings spread and silverware clutched in his talons. "How...quaint."

Lucretia snarled in fury. "You dared mar my face!" she roared before spreading her wings. "I will tear you apart!" She leapt into the air, pursuing Sebastian higher into the air.

As Blueblood and the fillies stared up at the upcoming confrontation, Bluebottle spoke up quietly. "The other lings are distracted!" he hissed out. "Now would be a good time for an exit strategy!"

"On it!" Sweetie Belle squeaked out as she started pulling switches in the tank. "Plan B, girls!"

Apple Bloom quickly led everyone out of the tank as Diamond Tiara looked like she'd bitten into something sour. "I really hate plan B..."

Once they were all outside of the tank, the cannon slowly swiveled until it pointed almost upward. It then shifted up and down a bit until an angle had been found...and then a large empty ball with cushions inside tumbled out of the tank. It was just big enough for Blueblood - or two of the youngsters - to curl up inside.

"B is for ball!" Sweetie squeaked out as she and Apple Bloom clambered into that first ball. Spike hefted it up and stuck it to the barrel end of the cannon before dashing back into the tank. A burst of green fire, and the ball launched upward, arcing down at the top of the box canyon.

"Us next!" Scootaloo and Bluebottle called out happily, grabbing hold of each other eagerly. Blueblood facehoofed ruefully.

Chapter 42

Sebastian swooped gracefully into the sky, banking strongly as a blast of magical fire streaked past him. Glancing down, he smirked as he saw Lucretia pursuing him, and led her higher and higher into the sky. He didn't normally like using someone else's plan...but it was a good one. He was glad Grell was never this thorough when it came to pursuing him...she might have got him.

Whenever it looked like Lucretia was losing interest in pursuing him, he would either dive in and slash with his talons or throw another bit of silver to slash her, aiming for her face, antennae, or wings each time. As soon as he was certain he had her undivided attention again, he would lead her higher up. Once he'd reached the height he was going for - too far to be seen from the ground except by raptor eyes - he began to circle. He needed just the right spot...

"I know what you're planning," Lucretia growled out as she began circling him. "It isn't going to work."

"Oh?" Sebastian queried as he swerved at an angle a real griffon couldn't have managed to dodge a blast of magical lightning. "And what am I planning?"

"I know what you are, hell spawn," Lucretia hissed. "You came up here where your Master's friends won't see your true form when you unleash your power. But that won't do you any good."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. While it wasn't the plan, it would have made a good backup if he could get Scootaloo to order it. "And why won't it?" he asked searchingly. If Lucretia was in a talkative mood, he wouldn't stop her. He then ducked as she lunged in, trying to strike him with her beak.

"I am enchanted with the strongest magics across many countries in this world!" she hissed out. "My swarm have gathered those magics, until I am all but invincible!"

"Such magic always has loopholes," Sebastian pointed out dryly, moving back as he subtly herded the Queen to the right spot.

"True," Lucretia snarled. "But mine was carefully chosen. I have gathered enough power to match even the immortals of this world...and the magic is keyed such that only by mortal hoof might I be slain!"

"And thus why you were baiting the nobles of Equestria with promises of immortality," Sebastian observed. "By the time you were forced to make a confrontation, no mortal would be able to gather magic or horse power to battle your hordes, and you'd be immune to anything the immortals threw at you."

"And why I destroyed House Wingshadow first!" Lucretia howled out. "Only they knew of how to call on mortals who might find their way around my magics! By the time anyone else could, I would be victorious!"

"So you did order their deaths," Sebastian observed dryly.

"Order it?" Lucretia burst into maniacal laughter. "I performed the 'sacrament' upon them while they still lived with my own hooves! You may have saved their whelp once, but now she is mine again!"

Sebastian suddenly grinned. "Thank you for that confirmation," he offered dryly. "In return, I'll tell you why I've already won."

"What?" Lucretia demanded harshly. "How could that be?"

Sebastian chuckled as he saw Lucretia was in exactly the right place. "I'm not the one killing you today. I'm the distraction."

And he folded his wings and dropped.

Lucretia gaped after him, trying to parse his meaning. And then she heard the air screaming and the mechanical whine, and looked up.

While the Wonderbolts were the best of the best when it came to fliers in Equestria, their fliers were not all identical in skills or aptitudes. In general, they could be sorted into three types of fliers: Power, Agility, and Speed. This was important, especially for times when the Wonderbolts had to shift from stunt fliers and back up rescue teams to a true combat unit. The Wonderbolts had three main types of weapons for their fliers, based on the type. Power fliers worked best with polearm weapons, being able to put a great deal of momentum behind the blade to drive it into the foe. Agility type fliers preferred the cutlass, delivering slashing strikes as they dodged and weaved around their foes.

But for Speed type fliers...there could only be the Mana Drill. Unlike the drills used in mining or excavation, these hoof-held weapons were designed to draw from the magic of the wielder, with the spin speed determined by the speed of the flier. This allowed the truly speedy flier to punch through an entire fortification to let others burst in.

And so of course when her enhanced Wonderbolt training shifted to weapon training, Rainbow Dash was trained with the Mana Drill. A rather special one was strapped to her right forehoof even as she dove right now, one that was a relic of the Wonderbolts from the days of its founding. It had been the preferred combat weapon of Admiral Firefly, and had been used so much it had taken something of a will of its own. It had only been used a few times since Firefly's retirement...as it would only accept a wielder who could fly faster than its previous owner. And now it was equipped to Rainbow.

She didn't bother trying to aim her dive. She knew exactly what she was supposed to do and where she was supposed to do it. It was up to others to make sure everything else was where it was supposed to be when she got there. Her job was the hard one...not from the flying, that was easy. The hard part was holding in the Rainboom.

That had been her orders. She was to go to a specific point, as high into the sky as she could fly without fainting from oxygen deprivation. She was to wait until she saw something rising towards her from below, and then she was to go into her dive, straight down just like at the Young Fliers' Competition. At a specific altitude, she was to activate the drill...and trigger the Rainboom not long after. The hard part of that was keeping herself close enough to Rainboom speeds so she could do it at the right time without causing a magic recoil before she got there.

The mach cone had already formed. Lightning was already sparking along it. She had to keep herself accelerating enough to keep the magic building, but not so much to unleash it too soon. This was a bit like trying to sprint across a tightrope on one's hind legs blindfolded while juggling motor-blades thousands of feet above a puppy playground in the middle of a typhoon with her wings bound.

She loved it!

There it was, her target. The Changeling Queen was in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. Drawing in the magic around her, she focused it into her hoof before thrusting it forward to activate the drill. It whined like it was digging through metal as the lightning along the mach cone focused into it, her other foreleg clutched tight to her barrel to cut down wind resistance.

The Queen looked up just in time for the point of the drill to strike between her antennae. The spin of the drill sent Rainbow right through her without slowing down...and the Rainboom triggered right in the middle of her body.

Rainbow couldn't see the Rainboom shaping behind her. She was flying much too fast for that consideration, even faster than she normally did post Sonic Rainboom. But she could feel the air ripping, tearing, and wailing around her, like some insane shockwave was right on her hooves. She kept going until she could catch sight of the ground.

"RAINBOW!"

She heard that scream and grinned. If there was one thing to peak this day for her, it was knowing her number one fan - her little sister - had seen this awesome stunt! At the last possible moment she pulled a 90 degree turn, shooting forward and grabbing five fillies, one colt, one dragonling, and one stallion in her grip as she shot away, now having time to look up.

She nearly lost control of her flight. The Rainboom wasn't a straight arc like it usually was. Maybe it was holding it in so long, maybe it was interaction with the drill, maybe it was using it to kill...but the rainbow-shockwave was expanding outward in a sphere, tearing the very air and ground apart as it went. There would be nothing left of the box canyon or the tunnels underneath it when it finished. She could see Changelings fleeing it in every direction, some actually being forced to ride the shockwave to get the speed to outrun it. She was only glad she could see it was slowing down, and wouldn't expand too far. The specific height dictated was now making sense.

"So...awesome..." she murmured in awe as she kept going, refusing to go into the arc to bleed speed until she was absolutely certain it would be safe.

Chapter 43

When Rainbow finally came in for a landing, the Hyper-Sonic Rainboom (as she'd decided to call it) was a blazing sphere of rainbow light in the distance, the chunks of rock being tossed around by the shockwaves invisible at the distance. She gently set the fillies, the colt, the dragonling, and the stallion she was holding down as she looked up at the devastation she had wrought.

She was startled out of her reverie as Scootaloo cannoned into her, clinging to her tightly as her wings buzzed with excitement. "Rainbow, that was totally awesome!" she screamed out excitedly.

"You're telling me!" Apple Bloom added, and before long all the youngsters were clamoring about just how exciting the display was.

Rainbow chuckled, accepting the praise as she ruffled Scootaloo's mane. "I told you I'd be there when you needed me, Squirt," she offered affectionately. "And what's with the fancy duds? And the eyepatch?"

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon all giggled as Scootaloo rubbed the back of her head. "That's a long story Rainbow..."

"Would my lady and her friends care for a bath?" Sebastian suddenly spoke up from behind them. "It appears there was some...spatter."

Rainbow yelped as she spun around to face him. "How did you get here ahead of me?" she demanded before her eyes strayed to several steaming tubs of water and bottles of soap. "And get this all set up? We were breaking the frikkin' sound barrier!"

Sebastian chuckled softly. "A Wingshadow butler who isn't always ready to tend his Mistress is not worth his salt," he offered benignly.

Rainbow blinked for a time, then glanced between the 'spatter' Sebastian had mentioned and the tubs. "...yeah, I could really use a wash..."

"We all could," Blueblood observed dryly. "I don't suppose you've arranged areas for privacy?"

Sebastian gestured to two nearby rock formations. "The one on the left is for yourself, your younger brother, and Spike," he explained. "The one in the middle is for Miss Rainbow and the fillies. The one on the right is for my charge." He turned to Scootaloo. "Shall we, My Lady?"

Scootaloo nodded with a soft sigh. "I'll be right back, girls!" she told the others before turning to follow Sebastian around behind the rock...into the tub from the manor, transported here without explanation. Scootaloo didn't question it as she let Sebastian remove her gown and eyepatch before immersing herself in the water. She was just so...tired...

Sebastian smiled down at her as he began to clean her off. "And so the one who brought you such suffering and misery is no more," he observed calmly. "In her last moments, Lucretia confessed to me that she led the attack against your family - and performed the mutilations they underwent - personally."

"So it would seem," Scootaloo allowed, letting Sebastian shift to preening her wings. The careful ministrations began to feel like a baptism almost, or a ritual cleansing.

"There is no one else to hunt down for your vengeance," Sebastian continued as he worked on her hooves.

"No there isn't," Scootaloo agreed, her voice slowly subsiding into a mumble.

"And so the contract is fulfilled," Sebastian concluded, his voice somewhat eager.

"Not even close."

Sebastian blinked in surprise at that. "...come again?"

"The contract was 'vengeance to my satisfaction'," Scootaloo pointed out, opening her eyes to stare at Sebastian. The Contract Seal in her eye glowed brightly. "Did you really think I'd be satisfied by a simple death?"

Sebastian blinked in confusion. "You...wish for me to pursue her into the afterlife to ensure her continued suffering?" he inquired curiously.

"Nah, I'm done with her specifically," Scootaloo continued. "Whoever runs the afterlife can handle what's left of her. But her death was never the focus of my revenge. I wanted her absolute destruction, of her and all her works!"

"You desire I hunt down the remainder of her swarm?" Sebastian pressed, even more confused. "I was under the impression you didn't desire genocide."

"And I don't," Scootaloo explained. "She took my life from me, and tore down everything I held dear, erasing all I hoped to do with my life as me. As vengeance, I sought to destroy her and tear down all she hoped to accomplish, past, present, and future."

"And you seem to have," Sebastian pointed out.

"Not quite," Scootaloo pointed out firmly. "There are three of her goals I have to completely overturn to have my revenge and be satisfied. She sought to become immortal and invincible...and so she is destroyed, and that is one."

Sebastian nodded. "She sought to conquer Equestria, and so her Hive is scattered, the agents in Equestria to be absorbed by Crimson's Hive to serve it."

"And third, she sought to destroy House Wingshadow," Scootaloo declared firmly.

"And so you have rebuilt it with my aid-" Sebastian froze as his eyes widened. "...oh..."

"Exactly," Scootaloo concluded, practically purring with how smug she was. "When you take my soul, I will die. You've told me that frequently. And if I die now, House Wingshadow dies with me." She slammed her hooves on the edge of the tub. "I will not give that witch even that much victory!"

Sebastian blinked in surprise. "Then...?"

"Sebastian, this is an order!" Scootaloo snapped out, rising to her full height in the tub. "Continue in your service to me until such time as the future of House Wingshadow is assured, serving and protecting myself and my heirs to the third generation. Only then can the House's survival be certain, and my vengeance complete."

Sebastian grinned widely. He had not anticipated this. Scootaloo had managed to trick him into an entire lifetime of service under a contract that normally lasted a few years at most...and he couldn't be more excited. That cleverness, to so trick him into giving her vengeance and a full, long, happy life...it just made her soul all the more delectable, that much more worth waiting for when she was satisfied. Bowing low, he uttered the proper response. "Yes, My Lady."

Scootaloo sank back into the tub, closing her eyes to relax. "...did Grell get vaporized by the Rainboom?" she asked curiously.

"She did not," Sebastian offered softly. "I retrieved her before the explosion could reach her. It seemed the least I could do for her assistance."

"...she's going to get into a lot of trouble with the Reapers for reaping to protect me and my friends, isn't she?" Scootaloo asked idly.

"In all likelihood," Sebastian confirmed in a bored tone.

"Then she deserves more of a reward than just being saved," Scootaloo decided firmly. "Besides, she's a resource we should cultivate, if only to learn how to counteract death magic so Filthy might wake up sooner. She still sweet on you after getting the spell?"

"...yes?" Sebastian allowed nervously. "That did not fade..."

"In that case, you should take her out for a night on the town," Scootaloo instructed. "I'll stay with Bluebottle at his place that night, so I'll be perfectly safe. You said it yourself, his skill is at the point that nothing short of you could get past him without dropping a fully grown dragon on his head. So take Grell out on a date, wine and dine her, give her a night she'll never forget and love to remember." Sensing Sebastian's hesitation, she opened her right eye. "That's an order."

Sebastian bowed. "Yes, My Lady..." he agreed ruefully, though his eyes twinkled with excitement. His Mistress was just full of surprises...

Author's Note

And this concludes the first arc of "Yes, My Lady"...in essence, the first season.

And...here I hit a conundrum. I have more or less plotted out the second major arc of the story and the final ending, but...I don't want to keep writing this story right now. I want to cycle it out of the update queue...and this is a good point to stop to do that. This could even be an open ended ending for the story.

The options I see are thus:
1) I leave the story marked incomplete, and just come back to the story when I'm ready to continue it.
2) I mark the story "On Hiatus".
3) I mark the story "Complete", and make a sequel when I'm ready to continue it.

I've made a poll for it. Please vote here: http://www.strawpoll.me/13694756

Chapter 3

The following morning, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle went to their big sisters to get permission to spend the day at Scootaloo's place. While they both got permission readily, they felt mildly guilty about being vague on certain details. Both had neglected to mention they meant Scootaloo's Canterlot house, not her house in Ponyville. They'd also waved off breakfast saying that Scootaloo was gonna make them breakfast, when it would actually be made by Sebastian. Sweetie Belle felt less guilt over this than Apple Bloom, who made a mental note to find a way to vaguely ask Applejack if it was more important to be completely honest or to keep a harmless secret to protect a friend.

Both quickly forgot their concerns once Sebastian had hooked himself up to the sky chariot, and the trio found themselves being pulled towards Canterlot at somewhere in excess of Mach One.

"How can he fly so fast?" Apple Bloom started to scream, only to realize that she didn't have to despite the wind whistling loudly around the chariot. The air within - despite not being contained by walls - was still and quiet. "He ain't even flapping his wings that much? And how's it stayin' so quiet in here?"

"Probably some enchantments on the chariot," Sweetie Belle spoke up, examining the gilded woodwork. "It's expensive, but it is possible to enchant a chariot for both speed and atmospheric bubbling."

Scootaloo simply smiled, blushing a bit sheepishly. She decided not to say anything until they actually reached...home. Her smile faded as she thought that. As much as she'd loved her parents and the family manor, Ponyville had been home from the moment she'd discovered it and been allowed her own house there. She was already taking into consideration renting it out, since her usage of it was about to drop from two weeks a month - or a month at a time - to three days a month tops. It wasn't a pleasant thought.

As the chariot reached Mount Canter, it slowed down and began to curve around the mountain, giving a Pegasus eye view of the mountain city, jutting out from the mountaintop to soar into the heavens. "So where's your place?" Sweetie Belle asked eagerly. "Down in the city? I mean, Wingshadow toys and all..." She looked towards the business district of the city, where Rarity hoped to one day have a Boutique of her own.

"She's a Countess, remember?" Apple Bloom pointed out. "The business front might be down there, but the house has gotta be up in the nob district." She briefly scanned the more opulent houses closer to the palace.

Scootaloo was torn. On the one hand, she was looking forward to seeing her friends' reactions when they saw the place. On the other hand...she was afraid of how they'd react.

Sebastian showed no awareness as he arced gently around the mountain, leaving the city proper behind. On the opposite side of the mountain from the city itself, the slope was divided into farmland scoops, Guard training camps, the occasional mine...and a single estate near the top, what one might consider the back door of the palace. The grounds extended a third of the way down the mountain, and the manor itself soared in a network of interconnecting towers and wings that stretched out off the ground. Statues, trees, and carefully pruned topiary lined the expansive grounds, and the whole thing was surrounded by a low wall topped with glowing Shield Stones, magically charged crystals that projected an invisible energy dome that prevented anything from landing within the grounds. Sebastian brought the chariot down to the front gate.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's jaws hung limp. Scootaloo winced worriedly. "Yeah...I know. Really ostentatious-"

"Diamond Tiara's entire mansion could fit in your kiddie pool!" Apple Bloom cried out, pointing to the wide lake laid out for fish, swimming, and boating. "This is...how could ya not have told us about all this? Think o' the Crusading opportunities!"

"I'm trying desperately not to," Sweetie Belle whimpered as she stared at the many steep drop-offs caused by the estate being built into the side of the mountain.

Scootaloo sighed softly, and pointed above the gate to where the family crest was emblazoned. Unlike most noble crests, the four symbols were arranged in a diamond pattern, rather than a square. The upper three were each one head of Cerberus with a Cutie Mark emblazoned on its forehead: Celestia's in the upper middle, Luna's on the left, and Twilight's on the right. The bottom middle symbol was an echo of the entire crest in miniature...complete with an even smaller echo in that bottom symbol...and an even smaller one there...

"The Royal Watchdog," Scootaloo explained, dragging Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's thoughts away from trying to contemplate the crest. "The Wingshadow family's duty from the day it was formed...is to make sure certain things that threaten Equestria cease to be threats...and to ensure the population at large never even learn that the threats existed in the first place. It may come with a noble title and all the benefits thereof...but it's still not a happy role to take." She fell silent as the gates opened, and Sebastian pulled the chariot through them.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle struggled for something to say...only for the sound of over a dozen yowls to catch all attention.

Over the nearest hill, a seeming swarm of cats of all shapes and sizes swarmed towards Sebastian, all of them pouncing all over him in an attempt to climb him or bat at his tail. Sebastian, for his part, set down the Calico he'd been holding and managed to tend to each and every cat without getting any fur on his uniform, which would have been obvious had it happened as the cats were every conceivable color and color combination but black.

Following the cats, a surprisingly short and slim-built minotaur trotted up. His lower portion was covered by coarse silver fur, his upper body gleamed white, and his baby blue eyes shone with peaceful joy. "Oh, you've returned Mistress," he called softly, gently trying - and failing - to herd the cats away from the chariot. "I'll take the chariot to the garage." He reached for the vehicle as Sebastian unharnessed himself from it.

"Silver Tongue," Sebastian spoke softly. "Be sure to carry it this time, instead of throwing it."

The minotaur - Silver Tongue, presumably - blinked in confusion. "But I'm supposed to complete my duties quickly," he pointed out, his voice confused.

"Let's try and keep this chariot intact?" Sebastion suggested gently, though his eyes were hard as rubies. "For novelty's sake, if nothing else."

Silver Tongue stared at Sebastian for a time, then nodded. "Yes sir," he agreed, hefting the now empty chariot - which was bigger than his entire body - over his head and trotting towards the manor.

"Is...is he a kid like us?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously, having never seen a minotaur be so small, especially compared to how big Iron Will had been when he came to Ponyville.

"No, just a runt," Scootaloo corrected. "Come on, let's go inside. It'll be easier to tell this story on a full stomach." Turning, she began to trot towards the manor.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle exchanged worried glances, but quickly followed their friend, Sebastian bringing up the rear.

Chapter 9

Sebastian once more sat behind the teacher's desk as the classroom sat empty, the students in the playground for lunch recess the following day. His current job was to be the ultimate butler pretending to be the ultimate teacher, and he was bound and determined to carry that out to the fullest extent of his abilities as per the contract. He'd already finished the backlog of grading papers, and had now gotten to work on the backlog of paperwork Cheerilee had been unable to get to due to there not being enough seconds in a minute, minutes in an hour, and hours in the day. Sebastian getting to it didn't mark him as being more efficient than her though, as she had done an admirable job worthy of the vacation she'd been awarded. It was simply a matter that said limits that had hobbled Cheerilee had never applied to Sebastian.

As he worked, he was rather unsurprised to see the office door open yet again, though this time to admit a brown stallion with a slicked back black mane and tail, blue eyes, and a Cutie Mark of three cartoonish bags of money. He had honestly expected this arrival. "Do come in, Mr. Rich," he said without bothering to look up from his paperwork. "I take it your wife talked at you about me?"

Mr. Rich winced slightly as he stepped in and took a seat. "You are...rather perceptive, Mr. Seba-"

"Just Sebastian," he interrupted diffidently. "Teachers and parents should have a certain familiarity, after all. The only reason I didn't refer to you by your first name to encourage that is because I know you prefer to be addressed by your last name...not that I blame you."

Filthy Rich smiled weakly. "Well, yes there is that," he agreed. He managed to straighten himself. "Now, I admit I've learned to take most of what my wife says with a grain of salt..." In a low mutter he added, "If not a pound..." Shaking his head slightly to dispel those thoughts, he focused on Sebastian. "Still, there's also the matter of my daughter and this...field trip she's been denied..."

"Mr. Rich, who has done your daughter's homework for most of her schooling?" Sebastian asked calmly.

Filthy blinked a few times. "From your tone, I'm guessing I won't like the correct answer..."

"You presume correctly," Sebastian confirmed. "Mr. Rich, how much truth do you want regarding what's been going on with your wife and your daughter when you haven't been looking?"

Filthy clenched his teeth. "All of it," he stated firmly. "If there's a problem here, I need to know all of it before I can properly fix any of it."

"A good attitude," Sebastian confirmed as he took out a copy of Cheerilee's file on Spoiled Rich, as related to Diamond Tiara. "I told your wife that if Diamond didn't meet the same requirements of the other students during my teaching period, I'd be sending a copy of this file to the parents of each and every student in this school. Since you requested, I can give you your copy early." He then turned back to his paperwork as he let Filthy Rich make his way through the file.

It took a surprisingly short amount of time for him to finish. "W...how did this all happen?" he asked, his voice quiet and his eyes lowered, plainly shocked and appalled at the extent of his wife's ruthless duplicity.

Sebastian was quiet for a time. The Rich family were not his charges. He had no reason to interfere with their lives, and it went against his grain to lend aid without getting something in return. Still, he had been instructed to be the best substitute teacher he could be, and his performance that first day had greatly pleased his Mistress. Eventually, however, the scales were tipped with the realization that his interference would likely cause a great deal of frustration and suffering for Spoiled Rich, and that in and of itself was worth it. "I don't mean to put too fine a point of it, but it seems to have started around the time you started taking more and longer business trips away from Ponyville...away from your daughter."

Filthy visibly winced at that. "A...pointed barb," he admitted finally. "Still...what can I do about it? I...I don't want this to be all my daughter ends up!" He smacked the closed file derisively.

"Generally speaking, I should think the solution is obvious," Sebastian pointed out dryly. "The situation arose because you prioritized being Mr. Rich over being Diamond's father. A reversal of said priorities ought to go a long way towards fixing things."

Filthy swallowed. "I...I suppose you're right...but how do I begin?"

"Spend time with her," Sebastian explained. "Make time in your schedule to be with your daughter, take interest in what she does and what she gets up to, and work to correct your wife's influence on her." He put his papers down and interlaced his talons. Oh, he did so love that this form he'd taken had talons instead of fingers. They were surprisingly as flexible and versatile as fingers, but so much more viciously cruel! "That should make a good start. Though if you are interested, I do have a few suggestions regarding long-term repairs..."

Filthy frowned, lifting his head to stare at Sebastian. "Why go this far?" he asked firmly. "I get as a teacher, you want what's best for your students...but this goes above and beyond what's technically your purview. What do you get out of it?"

Sebastian grinned. So he wasn't as much of a fool as he seemed, so much the better. "I admit I have quite a few motives here...though the one you should find readiest to accept...I don't like your wife, and if you actually carry out this plan it will be good for your daughter and bad for your wife, and she won't be able to do anything about it, and I'm looking forward to the face she'll make when she's so thoroughly thwarted and overset."

Filthy Rich struggled to control his expression. "I really shouldn't find that amusing. That's my wife we're talking about, after all..."

"Perhaps it simply means you made the wrong choice of wife, if her frustrations amuse you?" Sebastian suggested mildly.

Mr. Rich made a very rude noise deep in his throat. "Now you sound like my mother," he groused. Getting himself under control, he pasted a polite smile on his face. "Now, about these long-term suggestions..."

Chapter 33

Bluebottle's Cute Cenera was a huge event, having usurped the Town Hall for celebration grounds. Blueblood himself had come to town, going straight to Pinkie Pie to ensure Bluebottle got the best possible party to celebrate that he would enjoy. To make sure of that, he had dropped a complete dossier of Bluebottle's likes, dislikes, ambitions, and everything else he'd gathered from their frequent talks together and a bag of bits that was twice the size of the dossier and said, "Make it the best. Ask for more bits if you need them."

Pinkie had stared at him until he clarified he was commissioning a Cute Cenera, and then gotten to work. The party was a massive affair, and the entirety of Ponyville was in attendance. While it was impressive, the importance of the party came from two particular conversations that took place during the party.

Scootaloo sat back, smiling as Bluebottle showed off a little with his talent, wowing and charming the fillies and colts of Ponyville. She didn't even bat an eye at the fillies around their age batting their eyelashes at him. She knew far too well that he was completely dedicated to her, and completely oblivious to the flirtations of others. Still, he might make some friends. He had far too few of those.

Scootaloo had been joining in the festivities earlier, but had pulled back to rest. She hated that such things tired her out more than they used to...but her eye wasn't the only injury that Sebastian hadn't been able to fully repair. While getting a demon not native to Equestrian magic as a servant had several advantages, a total lack of familiarity with the normal magic pathways of a pegasus was not always one of them. Every so often, she would find herself flagging without reason and have to stop to catch her breath like this. She considered it part of the price she was paying for her goal, and accepted it.

"Sunrise Wingshadow."

Even if it did leave her open to such ambushes. She turned to where Diamond Tiara was staring right at her, and smiled softly. "Hmm?"

"That's who you really are, isn't it?" Diamond deduced calmly. "That's the secret regarding you that I was supposed to be left guessing at as part of my 'hazing', isn't it?"

"...no and yes," Scootaloo responded. "I freely admit that I am Sunrise Wingshadow, but I don't think that's who I really am. That's a very complex question that's rarely answered so simply. Is Diamond Dazzle Tiara who you really are? Or is that just the name you were born under and have lived under?"

Diamond chuckled softly. "Aren't you going to ask how I figured it out? It wasn't because your fiance called you by name where I could hear. That was just confirmation."

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "Oh? How did you know?"

"I managed to snag a large amount of my father's files as part of my packing to stay at the Acres," Diamond explained with a smirk. "I thought they were business files, and I wanted to be up to speed on what was going on with the business so I could step into his shoes if I needed to. But they weren't that kind of business files." She sat down beside Scootaloo. "Dad was your agent, wasn't he?"

Scootaloo thought about how to respond. "...my family's agent, yes," she concluded. "You know what that means?"

"I do," Diamond confirmed, her expression showing she was steeling herself to something difficult. "...which is why I want to be your agent."

Scootaloo turned to Diamond, her eyebrow climbing up her brow. "Excuse me?"

"I want to be your agent," Diamond insisted firmly. "I want to help you keep Equestria safe, like Dad did. I have a lot to make up for, to make him proud of me. So...tell me where to start."

"Grow up," Scootaloo stated flatly.

"Excuse me?" Diamond snapped back. "Last I checked, we were the same age!"

"Exactly," Scootaloo pointed out. "A little girl heir to a merchant. Exactly how useful an agent do you think that's going to be?" As Diamond's intense reaction faded, Scootaloo continued. "You want to be a valuable asset to House Wingshadow? Start by living your life. Grow up, study, learn, become a worthy and trusted heir to your father's business...become a mare he can be proud of. Show the world that you're stronger than your situation...and keep your eyes open so you're never caught off guard. Make friends, make contacts, make bits. Then when everyone knows your story, and knows you're every inch the savvy business pony your father was and more...then you'll be an asset. Trust that when that time comes, I will have work for you, work I'll be able to trust you with implicitly...because you're my friend."

Diamond smiled softly, pleased by the praise even if she didn't like having to wait. "...I'm being a little silly, aren't I?"

"You'll grow out of it...eventually."

The pair of friends shared a happy giggle.

Granny Smith sat back, sipping some cider as she watched the party unfold. She was more attending as chaperone than anything, but she still wanted to be awake for a while longer. There was someone here she wanted to talk about. Much to her surprise, he saught her out. "Ya couldn'a told him who I was instead a givin' him a wild goose chase?" she demanded harshly.

"And rob him of an adventure?" Blueblood asked as he took a seat. "Perish the thought!" He smiled softly at her. "You seem to be doing well."

"Quite well," Granny responded curtly. "Prob'ly all that common carnival fare ah eat."

Blueblood's hoof froze as he reached for a pastry. "...oh...she was...one of yours?"

"Mah granddaughter, yes," Granny confirmed darkly. "Funny ta hear ya say that of th' same food ya used ta gorge on at every excuse ta 'build a bulwark against the mouthfuls of manure nobles call fine dining'."

Blueblood flushed guiltily. "I...I'm terribly sorry about that. You know why I act like that when I have to be 'Prince Blueblood' at parties-"

"It was still mah granddaughter, and mah recipes," Granny added coldly. "Not ta mention one o' her best friends ya used as a shield against a flyin' cake."

Blueblood hung his head. "Yes, Aunt Celestia has given me the fifth, sixth, and seventh degrees over that particular gaff," he murmured softly. "Though like with her, I contend I did them both a favor. Lady Rarity would be miserable if she married into the nobility, endlessly judged and derided for 'climbing the ladder by being climbed'. And Applejack faced in me the absolute worst of noble judgmental behavior. The fact she rallied proves - to others and to her - that nothing will keep her down for long, which counts in her favor for the long term."

"And ya think that spares ya mah disgruntlement?" Granny asked coldly.

"Unlikely," Blueblood allowed. "I expect I'll have to do something rather silly, humiliating, or both - probably publicly right here at this party - to get back in your good graces. To be honest, I'm rather looking forward to the excuse to pull the stick out of my plot."

Granny did her best to suppress her smirk, but failed. One thing Blueblood was excessively good at was making others feel exactly how he wanted them to about him, making him absolutely incorrigible when he put his mind to it. Glancing around, she suddenly grinned. "Yer brother's about ta send his cake flyin' towards Rarity. Go shield her and ask her ta dance."

Blueblood swallowed nervously. "I'm...not sure that would be-"

"Ya got five seconds ta think."

Twenty seconds later, Granny sat back with a chuckle as she watched Rarity angrily chase Blueblood around the room with a rolled up newspaper of all things, screeching like a griffon fishwife. This was entertainment.